APPSC Reforms Committee Final Report-2024: The special committee set up for reforms in the APPSC has recommended dividing 272 types of posts in state government departments into Technical Services and Non-Technical categories and conducting recruitment accordingly. The committee has also suggested that all recruitment exams should be conducted offline. The Non-Technical category includes Group-1, Group-2, and Services posts, while the Technical Services category should include Engineering and Technical Assistant posts under categories A, B, and C.
The committee recommended that recruitment for Andhra Pradesh Teaching Services be carried out according to categories A and B, and for Andhra Pradesh Technical Services, recruitment for other posts should be conducted. Currently, recruitment for Group-1, Group-2, Group-3, college teachers, engineering, and other posts is done separately. The committee studied the APPSC’s recruitment processes, exam methods, and proposed re-grouping of posts in line with government orders.
The committee visited UPSC offices in Delhi, and Public Service Commissions in Kerala, Rajasthan, and Bihar to review their operations. Based on these observations, the committee has submitted its final report to the government, outlining the reforms needed to align APPSC activities with best practices. The committee recommended that recruitment in government departments be handled exclusively by APPSC, even though some departments currently handle recruitment independently.
Recruitment to Be Completed by December
The report also states that the “panel year” should begin on September 1 every year. By August 31, unit officers in government departments should send details of vacant posts online. No approval from the Finance Department is required for filling approved posts. Recruitment preparations should begin by June, and APPSC must finalize a “job calendar.” Recruitment should be completed by December of the following year, with appointment orders issued to selected candidates by March. The committee has expressed concern over the current recruitment process, which lacks systematic procedures for issuing notifications and filling posts. In contrast, commissions like UPSC, Kerala, and Rajasthan follow a systematic approach.
Marking System
The Bihar model for conducting oral exams is seen as effective. Only 10% of the total marks should be allocated for the oral exams. The board chairperson and other members should record the scores given to candidates. Candidates usually receive marks between 50% and 80% for oral exams. Any scores higher than this must be documented. A software-based randomization system should be introduced for assigning candidates to boards for interviews, ensuring transparency. The combined marks from the main exam and oral exam should be used to create the merit list.
Confidentiality of Marks
Just like in Bihar, the marks from prelims/ mains, religion, and address details should not be disclosed. Only the candidate’s name, date of birth, educational qualifications, and technical qualifications should be shared with the board members. The marks obtained in Group-1 prelims should not be combined with the total marks. For Group-2 executive posts, the positions of Superintendent and similar roles are included. The exam scheme for categories A and B should be the same.
Engineering Posts Reorganization
Engineering jobs in the Water Resources, Panchayat Raj, Rural Water Supply, Roads & Buildings, Tribal Welfare, Municipalities, and Urban Development departments should be brought under the AP Engineering Services group.
Question Paper Colors and Offline Exams
All exams should be conducted offline. Three types of question papers should be printed in red, yellow, and green colors. The questions in the answer booklets should be linked accordingly. Bihar’s Public Service Commission follows this system. The committee is chaired by Agriculture Department Special Chief Secretary Rajasekhar and convened by General Administration Department Secretary P. Bhaskar, with five other IAS officers as members.
