Crackdown on Fake Disability and Income Certificates in Indian Civil Services Exam
The integrity of India’s prestigious Civil Services Examination (CSE) has come under scrutiny following allegations of fraudulent practices by candidates seeking to gain an unfair advantage through reservation quotas. Approximately 20 bureaucrats, including officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Revenue Service (IRS), faced investigation for allegedly submitting fabricated income and disability certificates to avail themselves of reservation benefits. The probe, triggered by complaints circulating on social media in 2024, examined the credentials of these seasoned officers, raising concerns about the potential pervasiveness of such malfeasance within the higher echelons of the bureaucracy.
The investigation has broadened its scope to encompass the documents submitted by at least 40 out of the 1,009 successful candidates of the 2024 CSE, the results of which were declared in April 2025. Authorities are meticulously verifying the authenticity of income, caste, and physical disability certificates to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants. This sweeping inquiry underscores the government’s commitment to upholding the sanctity of the examination process and addressing the issue of fraudulent claims impacting reservation policies.
Union Minister of State for Personnel and Grievances, Jitendra Singh, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that investigations are undertaken promptly upon receiving complaints. However, he stressed that the challenge extends beyond the purview of the Ministry alone, requiring societal collaboration to address its deep-seated social and cultural roots. The Minister’s remarks highlight the complex interplay of factors contributing to the issue, including societal pressures and perceived advantages associated with reservation benefits, leading some aspirants to resort to unethical means.
The recent case of IAS probationer Puja Khedkar serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of such fraudulent practices. Khedkar was dismissed from service for submitting fake certificates pertaining to disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) status in the 2022 CSE. A criminal case was subsequently filed against her, setting a precedent for stringent action against those attempting to manipulate the system. This incident prompted increased vigilance, with the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), the premier training institution for civil servants, now closely monitoring the activities of recruits even after their training concludes, gathering informal information about their conduct upon deployment in districts.
The Khedkar case ignited further scrutiny, with social media users flagging instances of nearly 15 serving officers across various government services suspected of having secured their positions through fraudulent documentation. The amplified public discourse underscores the growing demand for transparency and accountability within the civil services. A.P. Das Joshi, Additional Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), emphasized the streamlining of the medical examination process for PwBD candidates following the Khedkar incident. He confirmed that a thorough inquiry was conducted based on social media allegations, and while most cases yielded no specific findings, one case remains under active investigation.
The government employs a multi-pronged approach to verifying income certificates, utilizing resources from State governments and the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). Any discrepancies discovered lead to the denial of service allocation to the candidate. Since 2019, the EWS quota has provided a 10% reservation for candidates whose annual family income falls below ₹8 lakh and who are not covered by existing reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs. Additionally, approximately 4% of positions in the CSE are reserved for PwBD candidates. These measures aim to promote inclusivity while maintaining the integrity of the selection process. The ongoing investigations and heightened scrutiny reflect the government’s resolve to address fraudulent practices and ensure that the civil services remain a bastion of merit and integrity. The outcome of these inquiries will be crucial in restoring public trust and upholding the principles of fairness and equal opportunity in one of the nation’s most competitive examinations.