After Puja Khedkar row, 92% UPSC applicants voluntarily opt for Aadhaar authentication on new exam portal
The UPSC introduced Aadhaar-based authentication on its new application portal following the Puja Khedkar controversy. This change aims to boost transparency and stop identity fraud in civil service exams. So far, nearly 92% of aspirants have voluntarily opted for Aadhaar verification.
Puja Khedkar Case: A Wake-Up Call
Puja Khedkar, an IAS probationer from Maharashtra, faced serious allegations of misusing reservation benefits and submitting inconsistent personal details during the UPSC exam process. Over different attempts, she changed her name spellings, parents’ names, and disability claims. These changes went unnoticed until after her training began.
The UPSC canceled her candidature, and the DoPT dismissed her from service. Her case exposed major gaps in the UPSC’s verification system, prompting immediate reforms.
Why Aadhaar Authentication?
The government approved Aadhaar-based identity verification for UPSC candidates in August 2024. The UPSC incorporated this option into its new portal launched in May 2025. Candidates can now link their Aadhaar numbers to verify their identity during registration and exam applications.
This step helps prevent candidates from changing crucial details like name, age, or category across attempts. Using Aadhaar creates a consistent identity record that is harder to manipulate.
Aspirants Welcome the Change
The UPSC reported that more than 92% of new applicants chose Aadhaar authentication. Most candidates find it convenient and reliable because Aadhaar data is already verified by UIDAI. This verification reduces errors and speeds up the application process.
The move aligns UPSC with exams like NEET and JEE, which already use Aadhaar verification to ensure authenticity.
The New Application Process
The UPSC redesigned its application system with four steps:
- Account Creation – Candidates create an account with verified credentials.
- Universal Registration – Applicants fill in personal and academic details once for all exams.
- Common Application Form – Candidates apply for various UPSC exams through a single form.
- Exam-Specific Submission – Finalize and submit the application for a specific exam.
Once registered, candidates cannot change their core details arbitrarily. This ensures data consistency and discourages misuse.
Benefits of the New System
- Transparency: Aadhaar authentication ensures genuine identity verification.
- Efficiency: Reusing data across exams saves time and reduces errors.
- Trust: Candidates feel confident that the system is fair and secure.
Addressing Concerns
Some aspirants worry about privacy and access issues. Aadhaar use remains voluntary, so candidates without updated Aadhaar details can still apply using other IDs. The UPSC has assured that no candidate will face discrimination due to Aadhaar issues.
Civil rights groups also urge caution, warning that no system is foolproof. The UPSC continues to improve safeguards to protect candidate data.
The Road Ahead
The Puja Khedkar incident exposed flaws, but it also sparked reforms that strengthen UPSC’s integrity. Aadhaar authentication is a major step toward a fairer and more transparent exam process.
As India advances in digital governance, similar measures will likely appear in other exams and recruitment processes. These reforms reassure aspirants that the UPSC values merit and honesty above all.
