A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has uncovered a systemic fraud in the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission's Group-I recruitment, involving forged signatures and the use of unqualified staff for evaluation.

  • OMR sheets of 160 out of 165 selected candidates were reportedly altered.
  • Unqualified personnel, including security guards and electricians, evaluated answer sheets.
  • Over 48,000 duplicate OMR sheets were printed using candidate barcodes.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) Group-I recruitment process of 2018 has submitted a scathing report detailing a web of corruption, forgery, and administrative collapse. The investigation reveals that the sanctity of one of the state's most prestigious competitive exams was compromised through a coordinated effort to manipulate results for financial gain.

According to the report, the recruitment process, which began with a notification on December 31, 2018, saw 1.14 lakh applicants. While 9,679 candidates qualified for the mains and 165 were eventually selected, the SIT found that the evaluation process was an absolute farce. Instead of utilizing the 452 qualified subject experts identified by the APPSC, the commission allegedly entrusted the process to two private firms linked to the then-Secretary, P.S.R. Anjaneyulu.

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In a shocking turn of events, the SIT discovered that the evaluation was carried out by a motley crew of unqualified individuals. This group included 25 school teachers, private lecturers, 66 data entry operators, clerks, security guards, and even electricians. These individuals reportedly evaluated answer sheets at a resort for 84 days, in direct violation of APPSC rules which mandate secure evaluation centers.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this scandal isn't just about individual cheating, but a systemic failure of institutional integrity. When security guards are tasked with evaluating high-level administrative exams, the meritocracy of the entire state civil service is called into question, potentially placing incompetent individuals in key governance roles.

"The systemic manipulation of OMR sheets and the outsourcing of evaluation to non-experts suggests a premeditated conspiracy to monetize public office."

Forensic evidence has provided the most damning proof. The SIT sent 736 examination papers to Central Forensic Science Laboratories across India, including New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. The results were staggering: 718 OMR sheets showed clear signs of alteration. Furthermore, 89 candidates had forged signatures on their documents.

The fraud extended to the printing process, where 48,442 duplicate OMR sheets were created using authentic barcode numbers. The SIT also found that signatures of examiners and scrutinizing officers were forged to cover the tracks of the manipulation. Despite the lack of qualified evaluators, the two private firms involved were paid a total of ₹2.52 crore.

Metric Official Requirement SIT Findings
Evaluators 452 Subject Experts Security Guards, Electricians, Clerks
Evaluation Site Secure Strong Room Private Resort (84 Days)
Selected Candidates 165 Total 160 OMR Sheets Altered
Did You Know?: Forensic analysis of OMR sheets often involves using infrared imaging to detect if different inks were used to change marks after the initial submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who was the primary official linked to the private firms?
The SIT report mentions that the private firms were known to the then APPSC Secretary, P.S.R. Anjaneyulu.

Q2: How many duplicate OMR sheets were discovered?
Approximately 48,442 duplicate OMR sheets were allegedly printed using candidates' barcode numbers.