Editor,

I would like to bring to the kind attention of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) a genuine concern regarding the preparation of the 1:3 ratio shortlist for the viva voce in the ongoing assistant professor recruitment.

The yearly and semester examination systems follow different methods of assessment. In general, the semester system provides more opportunities for internal assessment, continuous evaluation, and score improvement, whereas the yearly system relies on a single annual examination, making it comparatively difficult to secure higher percentages. As a result, there is likely to be a significant difference in the final marks obtained by candidates from the two systems, despite having comparable academic merit.

If the 1:3 ratio for the viva voce is prepared solely on the basis of raw academic percentages, candidates who studied under the yearly system may be placed at a disadvantage, leading to the exclusion of many deserving aspirants.

I would also like to submit that this assistant professor recruitment has been advertised after a gap of nearly ten years. Many candidates from the yearly system are already nearing the upper age limit. If they are denied an opportunity to appear for the viva voce due to differences in the evaluation systems, they may lose their final chance to compete for the post, as they may become overage before the next recruitment.

Therefore, I most humbly request the commission to consider applying an appropriate normalisation method between the yearly and semester systems while preparing the 1:3 ratio shortlist for the viva voce. This would ensure fairness, maintain equality of opportunity, and provide a level playing field to all candidates, irrespective of the examination system under which they completed their studies.

I sincerely hope that the commission will consider this request in the interest of natural justice and fair competition.

An ageing assistant professor candidate