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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has made a significant update to its application process by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to detect duplicate submissions. This initiative led to the cancellation of 600 applications for the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026, which were flagged as duplicates. The Commission's aim is to eliminate fraudulent practices in the examination process, a move prompted by the Pooja Khedkar incident. To enhance the integrity of the examination, the UPSC has also introduced various technology-driven measures for the 2026 exam, including Aadhaar-based verification, live photography, facial recognition, and AI-assisted de-duplication.

Details of Application Cancellations

For the UPSC 2026 exam, 8.18 lakh candidates registered, a decrease from 9.5 lakh in 2025. Notably, 94% of the 2026 registrants had also applied in 2025. By opting for Aadhaar authentication through the new application portal, these candidates confirmed their unique identities, effectively reducing the chances of duplicate applications.

The remaining 49,000 candidates' data was meticulously analyzed using AI, focusing on aspects such as names, parental names, photographs, and birth dates. Additionally, the UPSC reviewed its records from the past 15 years to check candidates' attempt limits, resulting in the identification of 600 candidates who had either surpassed their allowed attempts or exceeded the age limit, leading to the cancellation of their applications.

Shift in Verification Process

Previously, the UPSC conducted checks during the interview phase by cross-referencing new candidates' data with existing records. However, this verification is now being executed at the initial application stage for the Preliminary examination. Reports suggest that the AI system was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Background of the Pooja Khedkar Controversy

This new measure follows the controversy involving former IAS trainee Pooja Khedkar, who was accused of manipulating her name and her parents' names to appear for the 2022 Civil Services Examination, despite having already exhausted her attempts. Although the UPSC annulled her appointment in 2024 after an investigation, the incident caused considerable embarrassment for the Commission.

UPSC Application Regulations

According to UPSC guidelines, candidates in the General category are allowed a maximum of six attempts for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) with an age limit of 32 years. OBC candidates can attempt the exam nine times with an age limit of 35 years, while SC and ST candidates have no limit on attempts but must adhere to a 37-year age cap.