Candidates skip Group-II exam; Complain allotted centres are far away from their residences

For reasons best known to them, the Telangana Public Service Commission allotted examination centres 30 to 50 kilometers away from where the aspirants resided. Many candidates from Hyderabad were assigned centres in Ibrahimpatnam and Ghatkesar, requiring a long commute

Hyderabad: Over 3 lakh candidates skipped the Telangana Group – II recruitment examination that concluded in the State on Sunday. A significant reason for such substantial absenteeism by candidates was allotment of centres, many of which were located at far-flung places. Some students were also turned away for arriving just minutes late.

For reasons best known to them, the Telangana Public Service Commission allotted examination centres 30 to 50 kilometers away from where the aspirants resided. Many candidates from Hyderabad were assigned centres in Ibrahimpatnam and Ghatkesar, requiring a long commute.

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“I was allotted a centre in Guru Nanak educational institutions in Ibrahimpatnam, while I reside in Khairatabad. Who would travel for such a long distance for two days? Hence, I decided to drop,” said a Group aspirant.

After commuting long distances to reach the centre, several students were denied entry into the examination hall as they were late by just a minute. Candidates’ repeated pleas to centre officials did not yield any response forcing students to return without writing the examination for which they prepared for several years.

The Group – II services notification for 783 vacancies attracted 5,51,855 registrations. Of the total, 2,57,981 candidates appeared for the paper- I. However, this number fell to 2,55 490 for paper – II and further to 2,51,738 for paper III and 2,51,486 for paper – IV examination.

According to aspirants, the paper – I (general studies and general abilities) was at par with the UPSC Civil Services, forcing several candidates to drop from competition after appearing for the paper -I. This led to further decrease in attendance.