Consider the following statements : A digital signature is 1. an electronic record that identifies the certifying authority issuing it 2. used to serve as a proof of identity of an individual to access information or server on Internet 3. an electronic method of signing an electronic document and ensuring that the original content is unchanged Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (c)
• A digital signature is a cryptographic method of signing an electronic document using the signer's private key; the recipient verifies it with the public key, which confirms both the signer's identity and that the content has not been altered (statement 3).
• Statement 1 describes a Digital Signature Certificate issued by a certifying authority, not the signature itself.
• Statement 2 is debatable: digital signatures authenticate documents rather than serve as login credentials, though certificates are used for identity; the official key credited both (c) and (d).
• Under the IT Act, 2000 digital signatures are legally valid in India.
• Hence 3 only, option (c) — with (d) also accepted.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 1 describes the certificate, not the signature; statement 3 is the core definition.
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- Statement 3 alone is the recorded answer; statement 2 is debatable.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Also accepted by the official key; recorded answer is (c).
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2019, held on 2 June 2019. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.