Editor,

The recent discussion regarding the difficulty level of the APSSB UDC 2026 examination deserves another perspective. While some aspirants feel that a graduate-level examination should contain more difficult mathematics questions, many candidates believe that the overall level of the paper was appropriate and gave aspirants from different backgrounds a fair opportunity to compete.

Arunachal Pradesh has unique geographical and educational challenges. The state is geographically vast and diverse, and many districts and remote areas still do not have access to the same educational facilities available in the capital region. Coaching centres, experienced teachers, libraries and other educational resources are not equally available everywhere.

For many candidates from rural and remote areas, preparing for competitive examinations is already a major challenge. They cannot always afford expensive coaching programmes or move to the capital and stay there for an indefinite period while preparing for examinations. In this context, a recruitment examination should not become an advantage only for those who have the financial resources to access expensive coaching and specialised preparation.

This is also one reason why providing examination centres in different districts is an important and commendable step. Candidates should not have to travel long distances and spend significant amounts of money merely to appear for an examination. Taking opportunities closer to aspirants reflects the principle that government recruitment should be accessible to candidates from every part of Arunachal.

It is also important to understand that the recent UDC paper was not necessarily 'easy' for everyone. Candidates have expressed mixed reactions. Some found the paper difficult, while others found it manageable or easy. This itself shows that the examination had different levels of questions, and that difficulty can vary depending on a candidate's preparation, background and strengths.

A question paper cannot be judged solely on the basis that a few questions appeared elementary. Even basic concepts can test speed, accuracy and understanding when asked under competitive examination conditions.

Furthermore, if an examination was genuinely easy for a particular candidate, then the natural expectation would be that such a candidate should perform well and have a strong chance of qualifying. Therefore, rather than judging the entire examination merely by looking at a few simple questions, the overall performance and competition should be considered.

The purpose of a competitive examination should be to identify suitable candidates based on the prescribed syllabus and their ability, rather than unnecessarily rewarding those who can afford years of expensive coaching.

There is a danger in continuously demanding higher and more specialised levels of questions simply because an examination requires graduation as the minimum qualification. This could gradually turn government recruitment examinations into a competition between coaching institutes, rather than a genuine competition among candidates.

A candidate with financial resources can join expensive coaching programmes, purchase specialised study materials and receive continuous guidance. On the other hand, a hardworking candidate from a remote district may have limited access to such facilities. Government recruitment must ensure that both candidates have a meaningful opportunity to compete.

This does not mean that examinations should contain only easy questions. A proper balance of easy, moderate and challenging questions is necessary. However, making a paper unnecessarily difficult merely to make it appear 'graduate-level' should not be the objective. A difficult examination does not automatically mean a better examination.

The recent approach of the APSSB deserves appreciation for maintaining a standard that allows candidates from different districts, educational backgrounds and economic conditions to participate meaningfully. Fundamental knowledge, conceptual understanding, speed, accuracy and consistent preparation are all important qualities that should be assessed.

A government recruitment examination should remain a platform where a sincere and hardworking candidate from a remote village has a genuine chance to compete with someone who has access to every educational facility in the capital.

For these reasons, the overall level and approach of the recent UDC 2026 examination should be appreciated. The APSSB should continue to maintain a balanced, fair and inclusive standard in future examinations, including its upcoming recruitment examinations. Competitive examinations should reward genuine preparation and understanding - not simply access to expensive coaching.

Ultimately, the goal should not be to make an examination artificially difficult. The goal should be to conduct a fair competition and select the most deserving candidates from every corner of Arunachal.

A candidate