‘Trauma is real’: TGPSC Group 1 rankers slam HC order on exam process

Years of preparation, sacrifices and career shifts have left several Telangana Public Service Commission (TGPSC) Group-1 rankers in shock following the Telangana High Court verdict on the competitive exams’ recruitment process. They said that the ruling ignored arguments presented by both the TGPSC and the candidates, adding to anxiety and uncertainty about their future.

On Tuesday, the Telangana High Court directed TGPSC to re-evaluate the answer sheets of the Group-I main examination. Justice Namavarapu Rajeshwar Rao, disposing of a batch of writ petitions challenging the evaluation process, warned that the bench would not hesitate to cancel the entire Group-I exam if the orders were not followed.

Group-1 rankers described the judgment as one-sided, noting that it did not reflect the points raised in court. “Re-evaluation of exam papers is impermissible under the original notification, which provides no provision for such a process. The court’s suggestion to hold exams again if the re-evaluation is not completed could open a Pandora’s box,” said a rank-holder, Narendra.

Of around four lakh candidates who appeared for the Prelims, 31,000 were selected for the Mains, but only 21,000 appeared. “Now, the 10,000 who skipped the Mains could get a chance to appear again, even though ultimately only 563 candidates will be selected. This exam is always one of elimination. Re-exam at this stage will unnecessarily stall the process and prolong uncertainty,” he added.

Many candidates, having attempted UPSC exams previously, said they have spent four to five years preparing, leaving stable jobs in Central government and other sectors to study full-time in Hyderabad’s Ashok Nagar. “The repeated legal hurdles are taking a heavy mental toll, impacting not only us bout even our families. Any cancellation or re-exam at this stage will further impact our livelihood. The trauma is real,” said Anwesha.

Shashank, another ranker, argued that the judgment selectively acknowledged points in favour of the petitioners while ignoring counterpoints supported by evidence. Procedural issues cited in the verdict, such as the issuance of double hall tickets, were said to have no material impact on the exam outcome. “Concerns were also raised about the evaluation of descriptive papers, particularly in Telugu, where only around 10% of candidates qualified. This is a trend consistent with previous years and comparable exams in Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission,” he added.

The rankers plan to approach a division bench and, if required, the Supreme Court. “This is a matter of life and death for all of us. We hope the government and the TGPSC will take the matter seriously and restore our faith in the process,” Shashank said.

(Names of rank holders changed to protect identity)