Context: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced that caste, income, and disability certificates of candidates will now be verified through DigiLocker to prevent forged submissions. As part of its centenary celebrations, UPSC has also launched the “My UPSC Interview” anecdote portal for serving and retired officers.
About DigiLocker
- What is it?
A flagship initiative under the Digital India Mission offering citizens a secure, cloud-based platform for accessing and sharing authentic digital documents. - Launched by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
- Aim: Digital empowerment, paperless governance, and faster service delivery through legally valid digital documents.
Key Features
- Digital Document Wallet: Stores Aadhaar, PAN, driving license, caste, and educational certificates in digital format.
- Legally Recognised: Equivalent to originals under Rule 9A of IT Rules, 2016.
- Citizen-Centric: Anytime, anywhere access with user consent for sharing.
- Real-Time Verification: Documents are fetched directly from issuing authorities, ensuring authenticity.
- Eco-Friendly: Reduces paperwork and administrative burden.
UPSC’s “My UPSC Interview” Portal
- What is it? A digital platform launched during UPSC’s centenary year (2026) inviting serving and retired civil servants to share their interview experiences.
- Objective:
- Build a repository of real-life anecdotes for aspirants.
- Enhance transparency in recruitment.
- Preserve institutional memory.
- Outcome: Selected entries will be compiled and published in 2026 as part of centenary celebrations.
Significance
- For Candidates: Ensures authenticity of submitted documents and prevents fraudulent claims.
- For UPSC: Improves efficiency, transparency, and trust in the recruitment process.
- For Governance: Promotes paperless, sustainable practices in line with Digital India goals.