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UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar fielded queries on answer keys, evaluation systems, inclusivity, and even high-profile cheating cases
UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar addressed queries on answer keys, evaluation, inclusivity, and cheating.
In a first for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Chairman Ajay Kumar directly interacted with civil services aspirants across the country through a live virtual town hall on Wednesday, October 1. The session, broadcast on DD News’ YouTube channel, saw thousands of questions pouring in from students who were eager to seek clarity on various aspects of the examination process.
The Chairman fielded queries on answer keys, evaluation systems, inclusivity, and even high-profile cheating cases. Many candidates also raised concerns on social media platforms, using the hashtag #AskChairmanUPSC.
One aspirant asked why the Commission does not release answer keys immediately after examinations. Responding, Kumar said, “We open a portal to collect objections from candidates, review their answers, and then respond. The matter is currently under consideration in the Supreme Court. Once a decision is taken, we will follow it.”
Another participant questioned why UPSC does not provide candidates with their OMR sheets. To this, Kumar clarified that the facility already exists, saying, “The UPSC releases the answer key, and every student knows their answer. However, if anyone needs a copy, they can request a copy of their OMR sheet from the UPSC. It is provided.”
On inclusivity, a student asked how the examination ensures fairness for candidates from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds. The Chairman underlined the openness of the system, saying that no other examination was as fair as the UPSC. “It is the most inclusive. We emphasise providing equal opportunities to everyone. No one knows a candidate’s background during evaluation. You may be surprised to learn that more than 80% of applicants come from Tier 2 and 3 cities,” he said.
Questions were also raised about variations in evaluation standards in the Mains examination. Kumar explained that answers are assessed through a multi-layered system, “This is a unique process. We recruit students from diverse backgrounds. Naturally, everyone is evaluated differently. No one knows the UPSC’s answer checkers. They are experts. An answer key is created for each subject, reviewed at two or three levels, and moderation is applied to balance differences across subjects.”
The issue of cheating and impersonation also came up, with candidates citing the Pooja Khedkar controversy. “We are absolutely clear on this issue. We have a zero-tolerance policy for any kind of cheating. Legal action is taken against candidates found cheating in the UPSC exam. Criminal FIRs are filed for such cases, and criminal action is taken,” the chairman stated firmly.
Students used the platform to raise additional suggestions, such as removing the optional paper or restructuring certain exams. One user even requested the removal of caste-based considerations. Others questioned whether upcoming recruitment tests could face paper leaks, citing the APFC exam leak earlier this year.
The initiative, first announced by Kumar on LinkedIn, was described by him as a “unique opportunity for UPSC and PSC aspirants”. The Chairman invited candidates to post their questions live between 12 pm and 1 pm using the hashtag #AskChairmanUPSC. Queries were also accepted in advance between September 28 and 30 via email or social media.
Calling it a landmark step, Kumar said the town hall aimed to bring transparency and foster direct communication with aspirants. The session, according to observers, is the first time in the Commission’s history that its head has taken questions from candidates in a live public forum.
October 01, 2025, 17:28 IST
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