Gujarat High Court Orders UPSC to Permit Candidate for IFS Interview
The Gujarat High Court has issued a directive to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), instructing it to allow candidate Jaymin Patel to appear for the oral interview of the Indian Forest Service (IFS) for the 2025 batch. This decision came after the court reviewed a sealed cover containing Patel's results, which confirmed he had qualified in the written examination.
Background of the Case
Jaymin Patel, a candidate from the 2024 batch, has been contesting the evaluation of one answer in the UPSC preliminary examination, which involved 2.06 marks. The general category cut-off for qualifying for the mains examination was 100.35 marks, while Patel secured 98.29 marks. He argued that if his answer to Question No. 25 had been treated as correct, he would have qualified for the mains.
Patel moved the High Court challenging UPSC's answer key and sought directions to rectify the mistake and grant him the additional 2.06 marks. The court had earlier prima facie found the case in his favor and allowed him to appear in the Mains examination held in November 2025 for the 2025 batch, with his result kept in a sealed cover pending the case.
Court's Decision and UPSC's Objection
When the sealed cover was opened in court on Monday, it revealed that Patel was declared qualified after the written test. Following this, Patel's counsel requested permission for him to appear in the oral interview. However, UPSC opposed the request, citing that Patel had crossed the age limit for the 2025 batch.
Justice Nirzar Desai rejected UPSC's objection, directing the commission to permit Patel to appear in the interview and complete all required formalities as if he were "duly qualified for the 2025 batch." The court emphasized that Patel's shortfall of 2.06 marks should not prevent him from being considered for the interview, especially since he had cleared the written examination.
Additional Court Orders
The High Court also ordered that Patel's interview result be kept in a sealed cover and opened only when UPSC declares the final result for all candidates. It directed authorities not to create any obstacles in the process and stated that if the online portal is closed, Patel may submit a physical application.
Furthermore, the court took an undertaking from Patel that even if he clears the interview, he will not claim any right or equity to the post. His final position will depend on the outcome of the pending petition challenging the correctness of the answer key. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on June 23.
