Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) is facing intense scrutiny following allegations of unfair rule changes during the ongoing APPSCCE 2024 examination process. The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Arunachal Pradesh unit, has demanded immediate clarification on the matter, citing concerns over the integrity of the recruitment process.
The controversy centres on a notification issued by APPSC on July 19, 2025, which removed key obstacle race components from the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) criteria for male candidates. The timing of the modification has sparked outrage, as it was made after the PET sessions had already been conducted on July 18 and 19. The NSUI has accused the commission of compromising the examination’s integrity through “sudden and arbitrary” changes, allegedly made under pressure from the Home Department.
The student organisation argues that the last-minute alteration creates an unfair advantage for some candidates while disadvantaging others who completed the full original test. “No rule or criteria should be changed mid-way during an ongoing examination process,” the organisation stated, citing Supreme Court guidelines. They contend that the sudden change violates the principles of natural justice and undermines the credibility of the recruitment process.
The NSUI has issued four specific demands to address the controversy. Firstly, they want APPSC to immediately clarify the circumstances behind the rule modification and its legal basis. Secondly, the organisation seeks publication of complete lists of qualified and disqualified candidates, along with details of those who failed solely due to the now-removed obstacle race components. Thirdly, NSUI has called for an independent inquiry to determine whether external pressure influenced the commission’s decision-making process. Lastly, they have warned of potential legal and political action if satisfactory explanations are not provided promptly.
The student body has made it clear that they will not remain silent on any injustice faced by the students and youth of Arunachal Pradesh. The NSUI’s demands highlight the need for transparency and fairness in the recruitment process, and it remains to be seen how the APPSC responds to these allegations.