Puja Khedkar's IAS Fraud: Identity Falsification Exposed

 

Puja Khedkar's IAS Fraud: Identity Falsification Exposed

On September 15, 2025, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) filed a criminal case against former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, accusing her of fraudulently obtaining multiple attempts in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) by falsifying her identity and OBC non-creamy layer certificate. Khedkar, who secured the 12th rank in CSE 2022, was provisionally recommended for appointment but faced scrutiny after allegations surfaced in July 2024. The case, registered under sections 420 (cheating), 465 (forgery), 468 (forgery for cheating), 471 (using forged documents), and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code, marks a significant escalation in the probe. The Delhi Police's FIR highlights Khedkar's alleged use of two different dates of birth—April 10, 1992, and July 9, 1993—to claim seven attempts, exceeding the six-attempt limit for general category candidates. This scandal not only taints Khedkar's career but raises broader questions about the integrity of India's premier civil services recruitment process. As investigations deepen, the UPSC has recommended her dismissal, underscoring the gravity of identity falsification in public service.

Background of Puja Khedkar's Rise

Early Life and Education

Puja Khedkar was born on April 10, 1992, in Mankeshwar village, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, to Manohar Khedkar, a retired Class I officer, and Manju Khedkar, a sarpanch. She completed her schooling at S.K. Patil Sindhunagar High School in Bhingar and pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from De Paul University, Chicago, followed by an LLB from Symbiosis Law School, Pune. Khedkar's academic excellence and family background positioned her for success in competitive exams, but her journey took a controversial turn with CSE preparations.

Civil Services Journey

Khedkar cleared the CSE in her first attempt in 2020, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 821, but did not join training. She attempted again in 2021 (AIR 204, did not join), 2022 (AIR 12, joined as IAS probationer), and allegedly 2023 under a false identity. Recommended for the Maharashtra cadre, she was allotted the Pune district as Assistant Collector in June 2024, where her demands for a separate cabin and official car sparked initial complaints.

The Fraudulent Attempts Allegation

Multiple Identities and Date Manipulation

The core of the fraud involves Khedkar's alleged use of two dates of birth to bypass the six-attempt limit for general category candidates. Under UPSC rules, general candidates get six attempts until age 32, OBC six until 35, and SC/ST unlimited until 37. Khedkar, born in 1992, exhausted her general attempts by 2022. However, by claiming July 9, 1993, as her birthdate, she qualified as OBC with a non-creamy layer certificate from her father's income, enabling a seventh attempt in 2023.

The Delhi Police FIR details that Khedkar used the 1993 DOB for CSE 2019 (did not qualify), 2020 (AIR 821), and 2021 (AIR 204), while the 1992 DOB was for 2022 (AIR 12). This dual identity allowed seven attempts, violating rules. The affidavit in her 2023 application falsely declared only four prior attempts.

OBC Certificate Scrutiny

Khedkar's OBC non-creamy layer certificate, issued by the Ahmednagar Tehsildar, claimed her parents' income below ₹8 lakh annually. However, investigations revealed discrepancies: her father's pension and mother's sarpanch salary exceeded limits. The Maharashtra government canceled the certificate in August 2024, confirming creamy layer status.

Timeline of Events

Initial Complaints (June 2024)

Khedkar's Pune posting drew ire for unauthorized demands, including a red beacon on her car and separate office. District Collector Suhas Diwane reported to the Maharashtra Chief Secretary on June 12, 2024, leading to her transfer to Washim on June 13.

Media Exposure (July 2024)

NDTV and The Indian Express broke the story on July 4, 2024, alleging fake certificates and extra attempts. Khedkar was recalled to Mumbai on July 6, placed on compulsory wait, and barred from duties.

UPSC Inquiry (July-August 2024)

UPSC constituted a one-member committee on July 11, led by retired IAS officer D.S. Chauhan, to probe. The panel submitted its report on August 30, 2024, recommending criminal action for "deliberate suppression of facts."

FIR and Legal Action (September 2025)

On September 15, 2025, UPSC filed the FIR at Mandir Marg Police Station, Delhi, invoking IPC sections for cheating and forgery. The DoPT issued a show-cause notice for dismissal on September 10, 2025.

Legal and Procedural Violations

UPSC Rules Breached

CSE rules mandate accurate biographical details; falsification leads to debarment. Khedkar's affidavit violated Rule 13, suppressing attempts. The OBC certificate misuse contravened creamy layer norms under the Mandal Commission guidelines.

Criminal Charges Explained

• Section 420 (Cheating): For deceiving UPSC with false DOB and attempts.
• Section 465/468 (Forgery): Fabricating certificates and affidavits.
• Section 471: Using forged documents as genuine.
• Section 120B: Conspiracy with family members.

The FIR cites evidence from UPSC records and Maharashtra revenue department verification.

Impact on UPSC and Civil Services

Integrity of the Selection Process

The scandal erodes trust in UPSC, which conducts CSE for 1,000+ annual selections. With 13 lakh applicants in 2023, even one fraud case undermines meritocracy. UPSC has faced 50+ similar probes since 2020, prompting calls for biometric verification.

Broader Ramifications

Khedkar's dismissal, if finalized, bars her from future exams. The case highlights creamy layer misuse, affecting 27% OBC reservations. It may lead to stricter affidavit scrutiny and digital DOB verification.

Public and Media Reaction

Outrage and Debates

Social media erupted with #PujaKhedkarFraud trending, amassing 5 million posts. Critics like BJP MP Nishikant Dubey called for "zero tolerance," while Congress leader Pawan Khera demanded systemic reforms. Media outlets like Times of India labeled it "IAS scam of the year."

Family and Political Angles

Khedkar's parents, Manohar and Manju, face scrutiny for alleged involvement. Manju, a NCP leader, sparked controversy with a gun-wielding video in June 2024. The family's influence in Ahmednagar politics fueled nepotism allegations.

Khedkar's Defense and Current Status

Her Side of the Story

Khedkar claimed "honest mistakes" in DOB, attributing it to school records. She denied creamy layer issues, citing father's pension exemption. In a July 2024 interview, she accused "political vendetta."

Legal Proceedings

As of September 15, 2025, Khedkar is under probe, with Delhi Police summoning her for questioning. She remains on compulsory wait, salary withheld since July 2024.

Lessons for Aspirants and Reforms

Advice for Future Candidates

UPSC aspirants must verify documents meticulously, using Aadhaar for DOB consistency. Experts recommend legal vetting of certificates.

Suggested Reforms

UPSC could implement AI-based affidavit checks and blockchain for records. Creamy layer verification needs annual income audits.

Conclusion

Puja Khedkar's IAS fraud case, exposed on September 15, 2025, with UPSC's criminal FIR, reveals deep flaws in identity verification. From falsified attempts to OBC misuse, her actions challenge CSE's sanctity. As investigations proceed, the scandal calls for robust reforms to safeguard meritocracy.