Editor,

The government's decision to give the green signal to the APPSC to conduct examinations is certainly a welcome step. However, we, the FAO/STO aspirants, would like to respectfully draw attention to a genuine concern regarding the substantial revision of the syllabus, which was notified only recently.

A major syllabus change requires candidates to understand new subjects, arrange study materials and prepare afresh. Therefore, adequate preparation time is essential to ensure a fair and level playing field. Even UPSC provides reasonable time when significant changes are introduced in an examination syllabus or pattern.

We sincerely request the commission to avoid repeating the experience of the AE examination, where the examination was scheduled soon after a substantial syllabus revision. The examination may kindly not be rushed solely to meet annual targets of the commission, as timely completion should be balanced with the need to provide candidates sufficient time to adapt to the newly notified syllabus and ensure a fair examination process.

We therefore request the APPSC to consider providing sufficient preparation time, maintaining transparency in the examination process, and ensuring that every aspirant gets a fair and equal opportunity to compete under the revised syllabus.

A fair examination is not only about conducting it at the earliest, but also about giving every candidate a reasonable opportunity to prepare and compete.

Concerned FAO/TO & STO aspirant