Editor,

I wish to draw attention to a matter concerning the recent assistant professor recruitment conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC).

It is understandable that recruitment to academic posts must be based on merit, performance, experience and the prescribed eligibility criteria. However, concerns have been raised regarding a situation in which a candidate pursuing a PhD and having teaching experience was not selected, while a non-PhD candidate was selected for the post.

A PhD represents substantial academic and research work, while teaching experience provides valuable practical exposure to classroom teaching, student engagement and academic responsibilities. Therefore, when a candidate with higher academic qualifications and relevant teaching experience is not selected over a candidate without a PhD, it naturally raises questions among aspirants regarding the criteria and methodology followed by the APPSC.

We fully understand that possessing a PhD and teaching experience alone cannot guarantee selection. Factors such as subject knowledge, research publications, interview performance, teaching ability and other prescribed criteria may also be taken into consideration. However, the recruitment process should be transparent and the weightage given to different qualifications and experience should be clear.

Candidates invest several years in higher education, research and teaching with the expectation that their qualifications and experience will be appropriately recognised. Any lack of clarity in the selection process can discourage aspiring academicians and raise doubts about the fairness of recruitment.

Therefore, we respectfully request the APPSC and the authorities concerned to clarify the eligibility and selection criteria, including the weightage given to PhD qualification, teaching experience, research publications and interview performance, and ensure that the recruitment process is fair, transparent and strictly in accordance with the prescribed rules.

Such transparency will strengthen the confidence of candidates in the APPSC recruitment system and uphold the standards of higher education in Arunachal.

A concerned candidate