PSC Prosecuting Officer Preliminary Examination Triggers CSAT Controversy; Candidates Demand Re-Test of Qualifying Paper

Srinagar, June 3: A section of candidates who appeared in the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) Preliminary Examination for the posts of Prosecuting Officer on May 31, this year, has demanded a fresh examination of the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) paper, alleging that it was not in conformity with the prescribed syllabus and standard notified by the Commission.

The preliminary examination comprised two objective-type papers based on Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Paper-I (Law) and Paper-II (CSAT), conducted on the same day.

A delegation of aggrieved candidates said that while the Law paper was largely within the and syllabus, the CSAT paper was unusually difficult and contained questions that were allegedly of a level much higher than the Class 10 standard prescribed by the JKPSC.

The candidates alleged that the CSAT paper, despite being only a qualifying paper, has emerged as the biggest hurdle for a large number of aspirants.

“According to the notified scheme of examination, candidates are required to secure a minimum of 66 marks in Paper-II for qualification. However, after examining the provisional answer key issued by the JKPSC, many candidates have found that they are falling short of the qualifying benchmark by only a few marks despite having performed exceptionally well in the Law paper,” a member of the delegation said.

The candidates argued that the qualifying paper was intended to assess basic aptitude and comprehension skills and not to eliminate otherwise deserving candidates who have demonstrated strong knowledge of law, which forms the core subject of the examination.

According to the aspirants, several candidates who are confident of obtaining competitive scores in Paper-I now face disqualification solely because they may not be able to secure the minimum qualifying marks in the CSAT paper.

The aggrieved candidates have submitted a representation to the JKPSC, seeking a review of the matter and demanding that Paper-II be conducted afresh. They have maintained that the level of the CSAT paper was “not within syllabus and beyond expectations” and inconsistent with previous examination trends.

The candidates further alleged that an unhealthy imbalance was created between the two papers, with the Law paper being within syllabus and standard while the qualifying CSAT paper was out of syllabus.

“Many serious and well-prepared aspirants are likely to be screened out not because of poor performance in law, but because of a qualifying paper that, in our view, exceeded the prescribed standard,” another candidate said.

The aspirants have also appealed to the political leadership, public representatives and civil society to raise the issue before the authorities and ensure that the concerns of candidates are addressed.

Demanding what they described as a fair and equitable opportunity, the candidates said that a fresh examination of Paper-II would be in the interest of justice and fairness and would prevent deserving candidates from being deprived of consideration on account of a qualifying paper.

The JKPSC had not issued any official statement on the allegations or the demand for a re-examination till the filing of this report.

Meanwhile, the issue continues to generate discussion among aspirants, with many candidates expressing concern that the qualifying CSAT paper may ultimately determine the fate of candidates despite the competitive assessment being primarily based on their performance in the Law paper.