Jaya Anil Kumar, 30, doctored the transcript for her law degree from the National University of Singapore (NUS) when applying to the Singapore Legal Service in 2013.

However, she reapplied in 2016 – upgrading her 2.2 to a 2.1, The Straits Times reports.

When asked if the legal service could contact NUS to confirm her grades, she declined. When asked why her grades differed between her 2013 and 2016 applications, she said she had “mis-scanned” them.

Kumar later sent the correct transcripts, prompting a referral to the police.

Her case was referred to court and she was fined $10,000 last January.

Judge of Appeal Tay Yong Kwang said: “We do not see how being consumed about wanting a particular career mitigates the offences of forgery of one’s academic credentials.”

The judgment stated: “During the coming years, she will have to reorder her young life, refocus on what is truly important, show the fruits of repentance and make a good case for the court to reinstate her as an advocate and solicitor some time in the future.”