Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Chairman Manoj Soni has tendered his resignation, citing “personal reasons,” nearly five years before his scheduled term was set to end. Sources at the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT) have confirmed this unexpected move.

Soni, who was appointed as UPSC Chairman on May 16, 2023, was originally slated to serve until 2029. “UPSC chairman Manoj Soni has put in his papers due to personal reasons. His resignation has not been accepted yet. It is a long procedure,” sources at DOPT said.

The resignation comes amid recent controversy surrounding the UPSC, involving allegations of fraudulent certificates submitted by some candidates to secure employment. However, sources emphasize that Soni’s decision to step down is unrelated to these issues.

Before his appointment as UPSC Chairman, Soni had been serving as a member of the commission since 2017. His career includes three terms as a Vice-Chancellor, including two consecutive terms at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University from 2009 to 2015, and one term at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda from 2005 to 2008. Notably, at the time of his appointment at MSU Baroda, Soni was the youngest Vice-Chancellor in India.

The UPSC, responsible for conducting civil services examinations and making appointments to All India Services and group A posts of the central government, now faces a period of transition as it awaits the formal acceptance of Soni’s resignation and the appointment of a new chairperson.

(Inputs from ANI)