UPSC Chief Vows Strict Action Against Cheating and Fake Certificates

In a virtual town hall on October 1, 2025, UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar addressed candidates and delivered a strong message against cheating and the use of fake certificates in government job recruitment exams. Kumar stated that such actions are "unacceptable" and can cause long-term career damage to the perpetrators.

The UPSC chief warned that the Commission has a zero-tolerance policy on cheating and will take the strictest action, including debarring candidates from appearing in any UPSC exam for three years. He also mentioned the recent discharge of former IAS officer Puja Khedkar for reservation fraud, emphasizing that criminal charges will be filed against those who engage in such malpractices.

Kumar encouraged candidates to avoid the path of cheating, as it can severely impact their future careers. He highlighted the UPSC's efforts to prevent impersonation, such as the integration of Aadhaar and face authorization at exam centers, as well as plans to verify certificates through DigiLocker.

Addressing the role of coaching centers, the UPSC chairman asserted that self-study is the best approach for exam success, citing his own experience and the success of many candidates who have cleared the exams without coaching. He acknowledged the larger issue of the coaching culture in India and expressed hope that the National Education Policy will help address this challenge.