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UPSC President Ajay Kumar fielded Query on Answer Key, Evaluation System, Inclusion, and even high-profile cheating cases
UPSC President Ajay Kumar addressed questions on Answer Key, Evaluation, Inclusion and Cheating.
For the first time for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Chairman Ajay Kumar held talks with civil service candidates across the country on Wednesday, October 1 through a Live Virtual Town Hall. The session, DD News’ broadcast on YouTube channel, saw thousands of questions from students who were looking for clarity on various aspects of the examination process.
The Speaker fielded Querry on Answer Key, Evaluation Systems, Inclusion and even high-profile cheating cases. Many candidates also expressed concern over social media platforms, using the hashtag #AskchairmanupSc.
An aspiration asked why the Commission does not release the answer key immediately after the examination. Responding, Kumar said, “We open a portal to collect objections from the candidates, review their answers and then respond. The matter is currently under consideration in the Supreme Court. Once the decision is taken, we will follow it.”
Another participant questioned why UPSC does not provide candidates with its OMR sheet. For this, Kumar clarified that the facility is already present, saying, “UPSC issues the answer key, and each student knows their answer. However, if someone needs a copy, they can request a copy of their OMR sheet from UPSC. It has been provided.”
On inclusion, a student asked how the examination ensures fairness for rural or deprived background candidates. Underlining the openness of the system, the Speaker said that no other exam was appropriate as UPSC. He said, “This is the most inclusive. We insist on providing equal opportunities to all. No one knows the background of the candidate during the evaluation. You may be surprised to know that more than 80% of applicants come from Tier 2 and 3 cities,” he said.
Questions were also raised about the variation in evaluation standards in the main examination. Kumar said that the answers are evaluated through a multi-layered system, “This is a unique process. We recruit students from different backgrounds. Naturally, all are evaluated separately. Anyone does not know the answer checkers of UPSC. They are experts. They are made for each subject, a answer key is made for each subject, reviewing two or three levels, and applied to the modern.”
The issue of cheating and copying also came to light, in which the candidates cited the Pooja Khedkar dispute. “We are completely clear on this issue. We have a zero-optimity policy for any kind of deception. Legal action is taken against the candidates who have been cheated in the UPSC exam. Criminal FIRs are filed for such cases, and criminal action is taken,” the Speaker said firmly.
Students used the platform to raise additional suggestions, such as removing alternative paper or restructuring some examinations. A user also requested to remove caste-based views. Other people questioned whether the upcoming recruitment tests could face paper leaks citing the APFC exam leak earlier this year.
The initiative announced by Kumar on LinkedIn was described by him as “a unique opportunity for the aspirations of UPSC and PSC”. The Chairman invited the candidates to post their questions live between 12 am and 1 pm using the hashtag #AskchairmanupSc. Questions were already accepted between 28 to 30 September through email or social media.
Calling it a historic step, Kumar said that the aim of the Town Hall is to bring transparency and promote direct communication with the candidates. According to observers, for the first time in the history of the Sessions Commission, its chief has questioned the candidates in the Live Public Forum.
October 01, 2025, 17:28
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