New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Friday said in a statement that it has filed an FIR against IAS probationer Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar and issued a Show Cause Notice for the cancellation of her candidature from the Civil Services Examination-2022, as well as for her debarment from future examinations. The agency highlighted that while “fulfilling its Constitutional obligations, the UPSC stringently adheres to its Constitutional mandate, and conducts all its processes, including all examinations, with the highest possible order of due diligence without any compromise.”

The statement said, “The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has conducted a detailed and thorough investigation in the misdemeanour of Ms. Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar, a provisionally recommended candidate of the Civil Services Examination-2022. From this investigation it has been revealed that she fraudulently availed attempts beyond the permissible limit under the Examination Rules by faking her identity by way of changing her name, her father's & mother's name, her photograph/ signature, her email ID, mobile number and address.”

It further added, “The UPSC has, therefore, initiated a series of actions against her, including Criminal Prosecution by filing a First Information Report (FIR) with the Police Authorities and has issued a Show Cause Notice (SCN) for cancellation of her candidature of the Civil Services Examination-2022/ debarment from future examinations/ selections, in accordance with the Rules of the Civil Services Examination-2022.”

The UPSC reaffirmed its commitment to the highest standards of diligence, fairness, and adherence to examination rules. The statement further said, “The UPSC has ensured the sanctity and integrity of all its examination processes with the 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 Commission is unequivocally committed to ensure that such high order of trust and credibility remains intact and uncompromised.”

/BI/