UPSC Initiates Criminal Proceedings Against IAS Probationary Officer Puja Khedkar for Examination Irregularities

In a significant development, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced on Friday that it has initiated criminal proceedings against Puja Khedkar, an IAS Probationary Officer of the Maharashtra cadre (2023), for a series of irregularities.

The UPSC issued a statement indicating that Khedkar has been served with a show-cause notice for “cancellation of her candidature of the Civil Services Examination (CSE)-2022/debarment from future examinations/selections” in accordance with the CSE-2022 rules.

The statutory body conducted a detailed investigation into Khedkar’s misdemeanors, describing her as “a provisionally recommended candidate” for the CSE-2022. The investigation revealed that Khedkar fraudulently exceeded the permissible number of examination attempts by falsifying her identity through changes to her name, parents’ names, photograph/signature, email ID, mobile number, and address.

As a result, the UPSC has initiated multiple actions against Khedkar, including filing an FIR with the police and serving her a show-cause notice.

The UPSC emphasized that it adheres strictly to its constitutional mandate and conducts all examinations with the highest order of due diligence, ensuring no compromise in the process. The commission reiterated its commitment to maintaining the sanctity and integrity of its examination processes with utmost fairness and strict observance of rules.

“The UPSC has deservedly earned the trust and credibility of a very high order from the public, especially the candidates. The UPSC is unequivocally committed to ensuring that such a high order of trust and credibility remains intact and uncompromised,” the statement said.

In response to the revelations against her, Khedkar, who was appointed as Assistant Collector in Washim, was removed from her field assignment last week. She has been ordered to report back to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie for further action.