Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Andhra Pradesh Veterinary Posts Shift to APPSC Written Exam
The Andhra Pradesh government is hiring people for 160 veterinary assistant surgeon jobs.
It first planned to use the APPSC without a written test.
Then it moved the hiring to a department committee using marks for education and experience.
Now it has changed the plan again and will have the APPSC conduct a written examination.
The government says a test will make the process more transparent and consistent.
The APPSC had said it could not carry out the no-test plan.
The Animal Husbandry Department had defended the earlier system.
The opposition YSRCP had asked for a written test.
The latest order replaces the earlier merit-based route for this recruitment.
The government ordered recruitment for 160 veterinary assistant surgeon posts through the APPSC with a written examination.
The latest order cancels September 13 and 14 decisions that shifted recruitment between the APPSC and a departmental selection committee.
The earlier merit-and-weightage system awarded marks for BVSc, MVSc, contract service and seniority.
The APPSC said it could not conduct recruitment under the no-examination arrangement and requested authorization for a written test.
The YSRCP had demanded examination-based recruitment, while the government defended the original merit-based process before reversing its decision.
- Who
- The Andhra Pradesh government, the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission, the Animal Husbandry Department and applicants for veterinary assistant surgeon posts.
- What
- Recruitment for 160 veterinary assistant surgeon posts will be conducted by the APPSC through a written examination.
- When
- The latest decision followed government orders issued on September 13 and 14; the posts are part of the second phase of the 2026 Job Calendar.
- Where
- Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- The government said a written examination was necessary to ensure transparency and uniformity, after the APPSC said it could not conduct the no-examination recruitment.
Written Examination Advocates
Merit-Based Recruitment Supporters
Selection method
Written Examination Advocates
The YSRCP demanded recruitment through a written examination, questioning the decision to bypass a test.
Merit-Based Recruitment Supporters
The Animal Husbandry Department defended the 2016 merit-and-weightage system, saying it was intended to benefit eligible candidates after a long gap.
Reason for the change
Written Examination Advocates
Supporters of an examination argued that recruitment should not proceed through a no-examination process.
Merit-Based Recruitment Supporters
The government and Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister K Atchannaidu initially said the prescribed rules were being followed and alleged that criticism relied on false narratives.
Purpose of the final decision
Written Examination Advocates
The final examination-based process addresses demands for a more standardized selection method.
Merit-Based Recruitment Supporters
The government’s earlier position favored merit based on academic qualifications, higher qualifications, contract service and seniority rather than a written test.
- Posts involved
- 160 veterinary assistant surgeon posts
- Recruiting agency
- Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC)
- Selection method
- Written examination
- Job Calendar
- Second phase of the 2026 Job Calendar
- Earlier merit formula
- 60 marks for BVSc, 10 for MVSc, 10 for contract service and four marks per year for seniority, capped at 20 marks
- Reversed orders
- Government orders issued on September 13 and 14