Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Naidu Alleges Extensive Irregularities in APPSC Group-1 Examination
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu says a state recruitment examination was not handled properly.
The examination was for choosing senior government officers.
He says many people applied, but only a small number reached the shortlist.
He alleges that some answer papers were checked by people who were not qualified or officially appointed.
He also says copies of papers were shared using private computers and messaging services.
Some papers were reportedly kept at a private facility for 84 days.
Naidu says many OMR answer sheets showed changes or other problems.
The government plans to examine what happened and improve examination security.
The YSR Congress Party has been demanding a discussion on alleged irregularities in a separate Mega DSC-2025 recruitment process.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu alleged major irregularities in the 2018 APPSC Group-1 recruitment process under the YSR Congress Party government.
He said 1.14 lakh candidates applied, but only 325 were shortlisted, while answer scripts were allegedly handled by unqualified and unauthorised evaluators.
Naidu alleged that digital answer sheets were shared through private laptops, email, Google Drive and WhatsApp, and scripts were kept at Hai-Land for 84 days.
He cited alleged alterations in 718 of 734 examined OMR slips, 21 unsigned slips, missing CCTV coverage and prohibited use of mobile phones and whitener.
The government said it would investigate the episode and overhaul the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission with stronger security and transparent evaluation procedures.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu made the allegations; the alleged irregularities concern the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission and the previous YSR Congress Party government.
- What
- Naidu alleged extensive procedural, security and evaluation irregularities in the APPSC Group-1 examination and recruitment process.
- When
- The allegations were made on Wednesday during a special discussion; they concern the Group-1 notification issued in 2018 and events during the previous government’s term.
- Where
- The discussion took place in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly; the alleged evaluation activity also involved the APPSC strong room and Hai-Land.
- Why
- Naidu said the alleged lapses compromised the credibility of recruitment for senior state officials and warranted an investigation and APPSC reforms.
Naidu and Government Allegations
YSRCP Position Reported in Coverage
Accountability for the Group-1 process
Naidu and Government Allegations
Naidu alleged that the previous YSRCP government oversaw unprecedented lapses that compromised the APPSC’s credibility and said those responsible must explain them.
YSRCP Position Reported in Coverage
The articles do not provide a detailed YSRCP response to the Group-1 allegations. They report that YSRCP members disrupted Legislative Council proceedings while demanding discussion of alleged irregularities in Mega DSC-2025.
Handling and evaluation of answer scripts
Naidu and Government Allegations
Naidu alleged that unauthorised or unqualified people evaluated scripts, digital copies were shared through private channels, and answer sheets were moved from the APPSC strong room.
YSRCP Position Reported in Coverage
No specific rebuttal to these Group-1 allegations is reported in the articles.
Next steps
Naidu and Government Allegations
The government said it would thoroughly examine the episode and introduce stronger security and transparent evaluation procedures after seeking suggestions from the public and intellectuals.
YSRCP Position Reported in Coverage
The articles do not report a separate YSRCP proposal regarding the alleged Group-1 irregularities.
- Applicants
- About 1.14 lakh candidates applied for the 2018 Group-1 notification.
- Shortlisted candidates
- 325 candidates were shortlisted, according to Naidu.
- Evaluation panel
- A panel of 158 people was formed; 72 were assigned evaluation duties, while 25 were allegedly appointed unofficially and another 66 allegedly evaluated papers without formal authorisation.
- Hai-Land storage
- Answer scripts were allegedly kept at Hai-Land for 84 days, with about Rs 1.14 crore spent on logistics.
- OMR examination
- Of 734 OMR slips examined, 718 reportedly contained alterations and 21 lacked signatures.
- Court inquiry
- The High Court later constituted a three-member committee headed by a retired judge to examine the matter.
- Proposed response
- The government said it would overhaul the APPSC, strengthen security and introduce transparent evaluation procedures.
