In a shocking development, former IAS trainee officer Puja Khedkar has been discharged from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) following serious allegations of fraudulently clearing the Civil Services Examination (CSE) in 2022. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) confirmed her discharge on September 6, 2024, after a thorough investigation revealed that Khedkar had violated the eligibility criteria for the UPSC exam.
The controversy surrounding Khedkar began when the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) cancelled her candidature over a month ago. The allegations centred on the fact that Khedkar, originally named Puja Diliprao Khedkar, had allegedly changed her name to Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar and altered her parents' names to bypass the maximum number of attempts allowed for the CSE. UPSC’s rules allow a maximum of nine attempts for candidates belonging to the OBC category with benchmark disabilities, but Khedkar had already exhausted these attempts in 2020.
A committee appointed by the DoPT in July 2024 conducted a detailed inquiry into the matter, and the government acted swiftly, invoking Rule 12 of the IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954, to discharge Khedkar. The rule provides for the immediate discharge of probationary officers found ineligible. The DoPT inquiry found that Khedkar had appeared for the CSE from 2012 to 2023, even though her eligibility had lapsed in 2020, making her ineligible for selection in 2022.
Khedkar, who was provisionally allotted the IAS Maharashtra cadre in 2023, has denied all allegations and has filed a petition with the Delhi High Court to contest the cancellation of her candidature. She has argued that she never misrepresented her identity or manipulated her attempts.
Beyond the allegations related to the UPSC exam, Khedkar also faces accusations of misconduct during her probationary training in Pune. She has been accused of misusing her position and privileges as a trainee officer, further tarnishing her reputation. A criminal case has been registered against her by the Delhi Police, and the probe is still ongoing.
This case raises serious questions about the integrity of India’s civil services examination system and the mechanisms in place to ensure the legitimacy of candidates. While Khedkar has sought legal recourse, the broader implications of her alleged actions have already cast a shadow over one of India’s most prestigious institutions. Whether or not she is exonerated, this incident highlights the need for greater scrutiny and transparency in the UPSC selection process.
As the investigation continues and the court proceedings unfold, the story of Puja Khedkar serves as a reminder of the stringent expectations placed on civil servants in India. Misuse of power and privileges will not be tolerated, and transparency must remain the foundation of public service.
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