SIT Exposes Major Discrepancies in AP Group-1 Answer Sheet Evaluations Under YSRCP Rule

The SIT has uncovered significant discrepancies in the evaluation of APPSC Group-1 answer sheets conducted during the previous YSRCP government. The probe found that candidates were awarded different marks during three rounds of evaluation—initial digital evaluation, the evaluation conducted at Highland and the final manual evaluation in Vijayawada. Of the 59,205 candidates who appeared for the preliminary examination, 9,679 qualified for the mains, while 6,807 appeared for all mains papers. The digital evaluation shortlisted 326 candidates for interviews, whereas the subsequent manual evaluation shortlisted 325. The SIT noted that the re-evaluation process was carried out contrary to APPSC rules, which generally prohibit re-evaluation except under special circumstances. An examination of the 325 candidates shortlisted for the oral test revealed substantial variations in their marks across the three evaluations. According to the probe, none of the 325 candidates received identical marks in all three evaluations. Of them, 165 were ultimately selected for government posts, with some candidates securing higher marks in the digital evaluation and others receiving higher marks in the final manual evaluation.

The SIT also found that interview marks played a significant role in changing the ranks of several candidates. Some candidates who scored relatively low marks in the written examination secured comparatively high marks in the interview and consequently obtained better-ranked posts. At the same time, several candidates who had scored among the highest marks in the written examination received unusually low interview scores. The inquiry also found discrepancies in the process followed for scheduling interviews. While the Deputy Secretary reportedly stated that candidates were called for interviews each day in alphabetical order, the SIT found that the process was not followed accordingly. The APPSC team further informed the SIT that records of the names and designations of members who served on individual interview boards were not available in the Group-1 recruitment section. The mains examination carried 750 marks, while the interview carried 75 marks, making the interview scores a significant factor in determining the final rankings.