Amaravati: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Andhra Pradesh government has alleged extensive irregularities in the 2018 Group‑I recruitment exercise conducted by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), according to a press release issued on Thursday.
Probe covers three separate valuation exercises
The SIT, set up in February 2026 following directions from the High Court to examine claims of tampering, examined the recruitment of 169 Group‑I posts, which had drawn more than 1.14 lakh applications. The team reported alleged malpractice during three distinct evaluation stages: the original digital valuation in 2021, a manual valuation reportedly held at a private resort after a High Court order, and a second manual valuation undertaken in Vijayawada in 2022.
According to the SIT, the first major irregularities surfaced during the digital evaluation of the mains stage. The probe identified the use of unauthorised evaluators, reliance on private e‑mail accounts, and discrepancies in marks recorded during the exercise.
"The SIT found that the decision to introduce digital evaluation, as well as the panel of evaluators engaged for the exercise did not carry the mandatory approval of the PSC Chairman," the press release said.
Panel composition and unauthorised participation
The SIT said that of a secretary‑approved panel of 158 evaluators, only 72 actually carried out evaluations. In addition, another 25 persons who were not on the approved panel evaluated answer scripts and received payment, the team alleged.
Further, the inquiry indicated that the approved panel largely consisted of teachers and lecturers from private schools and colleges, rather than the university‑level subject experts envisaged in the APPSC Office Manual.
Allegations against manual valuation exercises
The SIT alleged that a manual valuation purportedly conducted at a private resort — arranged after a High Court order — also involved irregularities. The probe raised concerns about the propriety of conducting evaluations outside official premises and the transparency of those procedures.
Similarly, the second manual valuation in Vijayawada in 2022, undertaken during the previous administration, was found to have its own set of alleged lapses, though the press release did not provide detailed itemised findings for that phase.
Alterations in OMR evaluation sheets
Among the charges levelled, the SIT cited widespread alterations in OMR evaluation sheets. The team said these changes pointed to manipulation in the objective component of the process, though the release did not quantify how many OMR sheets were affected or specify which stages were most impacted.
What the SIT examined and next steps
The SIT was tasked with a scientific examination of allegations of tampering and procedural breaches. Its preliminary public statement details multiple procedural and administrative shortcomings but stops short of naming individuals or announcing prosecutions.
State authorities have not yet released a detailed list of recommendations or an action plan based on the SIT findings. The APPSC and the government will be under pressure to respond with corrective measures, including possible re‑examinations, administrative action, or criminal complaints, should evidence support such steps.
- Scope of recruitment: 169 Group‑I posts, 1.14 lakh applicants.
- Alleged failures: unauthorised evaluators, private e‑mail use, altered OMRs, off‑site manual valuation.
- Evaluation exercises probed: digital evaluation (2021), manual resort valuation (date following HC order), manual valuation in Vijayawada (2022).
Table: Valuation stages and key allegations
| Valuation Stage | Primary Allegations |
|---|---|
| Digital evaluation (2021) | Unauthorised evaluators, private e‑mail use, discrepancies in marks; panel lacked PSC Chairman's approval |
| Manual valuation at private resort | Conducted outside official premises; procedural irregularities alleged |
| Manual valuation, Vijayawada (2022) | Irregularities reported; details not fully itemised in press release |
The SIT report emphasises procedural lapses rather than delivering final legal conclusions. Any administrative or legal action will depend on further investigation, corroboration of documentary evidence and, if required, referral to law enforcement agencies.
Representatives of the APPSC and the state government were not quoted in the SIT press release. The High Court had earlier directed a scientific probe into the allegations, leading to the constitution of the SIT in February 2026.
The developments will be closely watched by candidates who appeared for the 2018 recruitment, civil society groups advocating fair recruitment, and political parties that have previously raised concerns about the selection process.
Further updates are expected if the SIT publishes a comprehensive report or if authorities initiate follow‑up actions based on the findings.
