Archive · 27 Dec 2025
UPSC 2025: Key Developments and Controversies
In 2025, the UPSC had a busy year with many important events.
The chairperson, Dr. Ajay Kumar, talked to students online and explained how the CSAT exam works.
The UPSC also celebrated its 100th anniversary.
There was a big controversy about a trainee IAS officer named Pooja Khedkar, who was accused of cheating.
The UPSC made some new rules, like a website where people can use their Aadhaar card to sign up for exams.
They also made new rules for disabled students who need help writing exams.
A new program called Pratibha Setu was started to help students who didn't pass but are still qualified.
The UPSC also shared that not many women or transgender people take the exam.
Finally, they announced the results for the 2024 exam, with Shakti Dubey coming in first.
UPSC chairperson Dr. Ajay Kumar held a live interaction with civil services aspirants on October 1, 2025, addressing questions about eligibility, CSAT, evaluation, and reforms.
The UPSC celebrated its centenary from October 1, 2025, to October 1, 2026, marking 100 years of its establishment.
Probationary IAS officer Pooja Khedkar faced controversy over allegations of misusing her official position and submitting fraudulent disability and caste certificates.
The UPSC launched a new portal with Aadhaar authentication for exam registration, aiming for seamless verification and authentication of ID and other details.
The Centre tightened rules on scribes for disabled candidates, requiring examining bodies to prepare their own vetted scribe pools within two years.
The UPSC introduced the Pratibha Setu initiative to connect non-recommended yet qualified candidates with verified employers for alternate career pathways.
Female participation in the UPSC Civil Services Examination was less than 40% during the 2010-2021 period, with abysmally low participation of transgender candidates.
Shakti Dubey topped the UPSC Civil Service Examination 2024, with the results announced on April 22, 2025.
- Who
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and civil services aspirants
- What
- Key developments, controversies, and initiatives in UPSC 2025
- When
- Throughout 2025, with specific events on October 1 and April 22
- Where
- India
- Why
- To address issues related to eligibility, CSAT, evaluation, reforms, and fairness in the examination system, and to celebrate the UPSC's centenary
- Live Interaction Date
- October 1, 2025
- CSAT Qualifying Marks
- 33%
- UPSC Centenary Period
- October 1, 2025 - October 1, 2026
- Pooja Khedkar's Batch
- 2023 (Maharashtra cadre)
- New Portal Feature
- Aadhaar authentication
- Scribe Rule Deadline
- Two years for examining bodies to prepare vetted scribe pools
- Pratibha Setu Launch
- Part of CSE 2023 result process
- Female Participation (2010-2021)
- Less than 40%
- CSE 2024 Topper
- Shakti Dubey