RULES FOR IAS PROBATION OFFICERS
1. Context
On July 19, 2024 the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) said it has registered a criminal case against Puja Khedkar, a 2022 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer on probation, and issued a show cause notice cancelling her candidature from the Civil Services Examination-2022. It said she had fraudulently availed attempts beyond the permissible limit under the examination rules by faking her identity by changing her name, her father’s and mother’s name, photograph and signature, email ID, mobile number and address
2. Who conducts the examination?
- The Union Public Service Commission, which conducts the initial civil services examination, may also be involved in some assessments during the probation period
- The examinations for IAS probationers are primarily conducted by the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. This premier institution is responsible for the training of IAS officers and conducts various assessments throughout the probation period
- During the foundation course, probationers are assessed through a series of written examinations, presentations, and group activities. These assessments are conducted by the faculty at LBSNAA.
- After the foundation course, during the professional training phase at LBSNAA, probationers are evaluated through written exams, practical exercises, case studies, and field visits. The faculty at LBSNAA conducts these assessments
- During the district training phase, probationers are evaluated based on their performance in the field. Senior IAS officers and district administrators, under whom the probationers are placed, conduct these evaluations. This includes assessments of their ability to handle administrative tasks, implement government schemes, and interact with the public
- At the end of the probation period, LBSNAA conducts a final comprehensive assessment. This includes a review of all the evaluations from the foundation course, professional training, and district training. The final examination may include written tests, interviews, and practical assessments
3. Who is responsible for checking details supplied by candidates?
The responsibility for checking the details supplied by candidates for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) lies primarily with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
The process involves multiple stages to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the information provided by the candidates:
- During the application process, the UPSC conducts an initial verification of the details provided by the candidates. This includes checking academic qualifications, age, and other eligibility criteria.
- Candidates who qualify for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) are required to submit various documents as proof of the information provided in their applications. The UPSC verifies these documents during the examination process, particularly at the time of the interview (Personality Test) stage.
- Once a candidate is recommended for appointment to the IAS, a thorough background check is conducted. This includes verification of educational qualifications, previous employment (if any), and other personal details
- A police verification is conducted to check the candidate's criminal background and character. This is a standard procedure for all government service appointments in India.
- Candidates recommended for the IAS must undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the required health standards. This examination is conducted by a designated medical board
- After all verifications and examinations are successfully completed, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) is responsible for the final allocation of services and cadres to the selected candidates
- Even during the probation period at LBSNAA, the academy may conduct additional verifications to ensure the ongoing accuracy of the candidate's details and adherence to required standards
4. Recent Controversy
- Earlier in July, Ms. Khedkar was relocated from Pune to Washim in Maharashtra after complaints arose about her misuse of power by a senior officer.
- Serving as an Assistant Collector in Pune, Ms. Khedkar reportedly requested special privileges such as a separate office, house, car, and staff, which she was not authorized to receive.
- Additionally, it was discovered that she, the daughter of a retired bureaucrat and a 2024 parliamentary candidate from Ahmednagar, allegedly used fake disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates to pass the civil services exam.
- In response to the controversy, the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT) set up a single-member committee on July 11, led by a senior officer of the rank of Additional Secretary, to investigate her credentials and other details. This committee is expected to report its findings within two weeks.
- In a 2023 ruling, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) noted that despite Ms. Khedkar's success in the exams, she missed six medical examinations required to verify her disability before a medical board at AIIMS, Delhi, and stated that "her candidature is liable to be cancelled."
- The CAT's decision was prompted by a petition Ms. Khedkar filed in 2021 seeking relaxation in the number of attempts allowed for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
- Despite this ruling, she joined the services after reappearing for the exams in 2022, securing a rank of 821 and obtaining PwBD reservation benefits under a different category—“visually impaired and hearing loss.” Previously, she had applied under the “visual impairment and mental illness” category.
- Notably, the DOPT was a respondent in the 2021 petition. By falsifying her identity and name, Ms. Khedkar appeared for the civil services examination 12 times.
- General category candidates are allowed six attempts until the age of 32, while those using OBC and PwBD reservations are permitted nine attempts until the ages of 35 and 42, respectively. Candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) are granted unlimited attempts until the age of 37
5. How are Documents Scrutinised?
- The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts examinations and interviews on behalf of the Union Government and subsequently recommends candidates for appointment to various Services.
- During the examination stage, candidates must submit documents supporting their claims for reservation under categories such as SC, ST, OBC, Economically Weaker Section (EWS), and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
- The initial scrutiny of these documents is carried out by the UPSC based solely on the submitted paperwork.
- Following the personal interview, all candidates undergo a medical examination at government hospitals approved by the commission.
- PwBD candidates are required to appear before a medical board at AIIMS, Delhi, to assess the extent of their disability. The files are then forwarded to the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT), which finalises the Service allocation while considering various quotas
6. What are disciplinary Actions can be taken ?
A probationer can be removed from service for several reasons. This can occur if they fail to pass the exams at the training academy or if the Central Government determines that the probationer was not eligible for recruitment or is unsuitable for service. Additionally, discharge can be ordered if the Central Government believes the probationer has deliberately neglected their studies or duties during probation or lacks the necessary qualities of mind and character required for the service
Disciplinary actions against Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, including probationers, can be taken under the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969. These rules outline the procedures and penalties for misconduct
