Confidential TGPSC OMR sheets found on Hyderabad roadside

Confidential OMR sheets related to the TGPSC Hostel Welfare Officers Recruitment 2018 were found scattered on a roadside in Hyderabad's Shivrampally, raising concerns over examination confidentiality. TGPSC has ordered a probe and promised strict action based on the inquiry report

Hyderabad: In a glaring incident that reeks of poor handling, a large number of Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets of a Telangana Public Service Commission (TGPSC) recruitment examination, which were required to be kept confidential and shredded after a stipulated period, were found lying on the roadside in Shivrampally on Saturday night. This has raised serious concerns over the integrity and confidentiality of the examination process.

The OMR sheets in question pertain to the Hostel Welfare Officers Recruitment 2018. Although the selection process had been completed long ago, the OMR sheets, which were to be shredded confidentially, were found scattered on the roadside between pillar Nos. 230 and 240 of the PVNR Expressway, revealing sensitive candidate information, including names, hall ticket numbers and other details.

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According to an eyewitness, due to strong winds, some OMR sheets were seen scattered up to Aramghar X Roads. Several passers-by stopped and collected some sheets that had been lying on the roadside like pamphlets distributed near colleges. Following the information, the local police reached the spot and collected all the sheets.

The incident comes at a time when the entire nation has been grappling with a series of competitive examination-related controversies, including the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak that led to Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.

In Karnataka, 25 veterinary medical officers recently raised serious allegations of a cash-for-jobs scam and irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission recruitment for 400 veterinary officer posts.

Further, the Punjab Police busted an inter-state cheating racket during the Pharmacy Officer recruitment examination, prompting aspirants to demand the resignation of Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains.

Meanwhile, TGPSC said it had launched a probe into the matter. “It appears that a few OMR sheets were found on the roadside. The circumstances leading to this incident are being verified. The Superintendent of Police posted at TGPSC has been directed to inquire into the matter as to how these OMR sheets were found at a public place and furnish a report within three days,” it said.

Based on the findings of the inquiry, strict action would be taken against those responsible for any lapse, the TGPSC said.

The OMR answer sheets of any recruitment examination are preserved for three years after completion of the recruitment process, after which they are identified for disposal and sent for shredding as per the established procedure.