JUDGMENT :

PRATEEK JALAN, J.

The proceedings in the matter have been conducted through hybrid mode [physical and virtual hearing]

1. The petitioner applied for the Combined Defense Services Examination in the Short Service Commission Women (Non-Technical) course [“the course”] pursuant to an advertisement dated 05.08.2020 issued by the Union Public Service Commission [“UPSC”]. She assails a decision of the respondent Nos. 1 and 2, i.e. the Union of India and the Director General of Recruiting [collectively referred to as “the Union”] dated 26.11.2021 by which her candidature for the said examination has been cancelled.

2. The notice issued by the UPSC covers selection to several different courses. It is not disputed that the course in question is covered under the category of admission to the Officers Training Academy, Chennai [“OTA”]. The notice prescribed educational qualifications for such courses, which included a degree from a recognized university or equivalent. The candidates were required to submit proof of passing the degree examination at the time of commencement of the course, to reach the concerned authorities by 01.10.2021. The petitioner is currently pursuing the Bachelor