Editor,

The recent medical examination process under the Special Recruitment Drive for Uniformed Services Combined Examination 2026 conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) has raised concerns regarding identity verification, transparency and the possibility of manipulation.

Unlike the previous year, when the medical examination was conducted through TRIHMS alone, this year candidates are being examined through four hospitals-TRIHMS, Ramakrishna Mission Hospital, NIBA Hospital and Heema Hospital. While involving multiple hospitals may help accommodate a larger number of candidates, the system should also ensure that every medical test is conducted on the actual selected candidate.

One major concern is the method of identification during laboratory and diagnostic examinations. At present, candidates appear to be identified primarily through the hospital token or receipt for tests such as ultrasound, eye examination, ENT and audiometry, ECG, CBC, LFT, KFT, HIV, HBsAg, urine examination, haemoglobin testing and other investigations. Instead of relying only on a hospital token or receipt, the candidate's APSSB admit card and a valid government-issued ID such as Aadhaar, PAN card or driving licence should be verified. More importantly, a biometric verification system should be introduced wherever feasible to ensure that the actual selected candidate-not someone sent in their place-is examined.

If a candidate already knows about a problem such as poor eyesight or colour blindness, inadequate identity verification could potentially create an opportunity for malpractice, as someone else could theoretically undergo the test in the candidate's place.

Therefore, this is not an accusation against any hospital, doctor, candidate or official, but a humble request to APSSB to review whether adequate safeguards are in place.

I also respectfully request APSSB to recheck the medical fitness of selected candidates during PTC training, especially eyesight, colour vision and other prescribed parameters, to ensure that the same candidate who was selected is the one who underwent the medical examination.

A transparent and properly verified medical process is essential to ensure fairness and protect the credibility of the recruitment system.

An aspirant

Itanagar