Pune: Controversy over IAS Puja Khedkar's selection by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has left both students and parents deeply distraught, raising serious concerns about the functioning of the commission.

Students across the country, already troubled by paper leaks and exam cancellations, are now grappling with the revelation that candidates are being selected for prestigious UPSC positions based on fake documents.

This malpractice is particularly disheartening for disabled students, who are losing out on opportunities they rightfully deserve.

Candidates like Sumit Uke (name changed) expressed their shock, stating, "The very fact that one can get selected through fake documents is shocking to me.

Genuine candidates who deserve reservations and are qualified for these positions are losing opportunities because of fake certificates. Now, who should we trust?"

The UPSC exams witness a large number of aspirants, but the available positions are few. "If a dishonest person takes the place of an honest student through fraud, it is playing with the students' lives. This issue needs serious attention," said Akash Patil (name changed), another candidate.

Aarti Kamble (name changed), another diligent candidate, raised a crucial point about the trustworthiness of the UPSC exams. "If such cases are emerging in the UPSC exams, how can we trust the exam after studying for four to five years?

Ethics is a subject we study for the UPSC to make decisions for the welfare of the public. But how can an officer appointed through unethical means think of the public's welfare?"

The concerns are not just limited to individual aspirations. Suyash Kolhe (name changed) emphasized the broader implications, "If the students lose faith in the administration and the commission, it will undermine the objective of serving the nation and its citizens.

Someone using fake documents to pass certainly does not deserve to work in such a position. This not only harms the eligible students but the entire country."

Suraj Jadhav (name changed) called for strict action and broader investigations, stating, "If someone becomes an officer by submitting fake certificates, who can we trust? If the government is aware, strict action should be taken to ensure no one repeats such mistakes.

Not just the Union Public Service Commission, but the state public service commissions should also investigate. Even though the current president has resigned, most of these cases are from 10-12 years ago."

The impact on the confidence of honest students is significant. "I have been in Delhi for three years preparing for the UPSC exams. Millions of students work honestly, but such incidents shake their confidence.

Along with disabled students, fake certificates are also widely issued for athletes. Particularly, some districts in the state lead in this malpractice," said Sagar Vaidya (name changed).