Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Chairperson Manoj Soni has resigned from his position nearly five years before the completion of his term, which was set to end in 2029. The resignation, attributed to “personal reasons,” comes amid speculation but is reportedly unrelated to the ongoing controversy involving probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar.
Manoj Soni, who joined the UPSC in 2017, assumed the role of chairperson on May 16, 2023. The UPSC is responsible for conducting the civil services examination, which recruits candidates for prestigious government positions such as IAS, IPS, and IFS. Soni’s tenure as chairperson was marked by his focus on the commission’s core responsibilities and maintaining the integrity of the selection process.
Sources indicated that Soni submitted his resignation to the President approximately a month ago. It remains uncertain whether the resignation will be formally accepted. Prior to his UPSC appointment, Soni had a distinguished academic career, serving as vice-chancellor of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU) and Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. During his tenure at MSU Baroda, he was recognized as the youngest vice-chancellor in India.
Soni’s expertise in international relations and political science has been well-regarded throughout his career. Despite his early resignation, his contributions to the field of education and public service have been notable.
In recent weeks, the UPSC has been in the news due to a criminal case filed against Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer accused of submitting fraudulent disability and caste certificates to gain selection. The commission has also issued a show cause notice to Khedkar, proposing the cancellation of her selection and debarment from future examinations. Delhi Police have registered a case against Khedkar for forgery and cheating, following the UPSC’s complaint.
The situation surrounding Soni’s resignation and the Khedkar controversy continues to develop, with further updates expected from both the UPSC and law enforcement agencies.
