UPSC to verify candidate documents via DigiLocker to ensure authenticity

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is set to begin verifying candidates’ documents through DigiLocker, announced Chairperson Ajay Kumar on Oct 1.

This move aims to confirm the authenticity of caste, disability, and income certificates submitted by applicants.

Kumar made the announcement during a virtual town hall session broadcast by Doordarshan, where he responded to questions from aspirants via email and social media.

The event marked the start of the commission’s centenary celebrations.

Addressing concerns about cheating, Kumar emphasized the commission’s strict approach, saying it has “zero tolerance to cheating.”

He explained that candidates caught cheating face suspension from exams for at least three years, with legal action taken in cases involving criminal misconduct.

Referring to the case of former IAS trainee Puja Khedkar, Kumar said, “Puja Khedkar is facing action. The strictest possible action will be taken as per rules.”

Khedkar, selected in the 2022 Civil Services Examination, has been accused of misusing OBC and disability certificates and altering her and her parents’ names to appear as a different candidate.

Her candidature was cancelled in 2024, and she was barred from future exams.

The Department of Personnel and Training later discharged her from the IAS after declaring her ineligible. Khedkar denies the allegations and is challenging the decision in court.

Kumar explained the need for the new verification system: “Many times questions arise whether the certificates submitted have been issued by the issuing authority or not. We are going to soon start taking these certificates through DigiLocker so that the authenticity is maintained.”

DigiLocker is a government cloud platform that securely stores and facilitates easy verification of official documents.

During the session, Kumar also addressed questions about age limits, the number of exam attempts, and subject preferences.

He clarified there are no plans to change the age criteria or number of attempts.

Responding to the perception that engineering students have an advantage, Kumar said the exam is balanced and noted that many successful engineers choose humanities subjects.

He also dismissed claims of bias in selection, adding, “About 80-90% of the selected candidates come from Tier 2 and 3 cities and rural areas.”