CBI Concludes Investigation into Arunachal Civil Service Exam Paper Leak

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has finalized its probe into the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) examination paper leak scandal. The case, which involved the leakage of a question paper for the Assistant Engineer (Civil) exam, has led to the filing of a final supplementary chargesheet against an individual named Pasang Kotin Ezing.

According to the CBI, Ezing allegedly issued a cheque worth ₹5 lakh to a middleman, intending to acquire leaked questions for her son, Loth Ezing, a candidate in the 2022 AE (Civil) examination. The initial chargesheet, filed on December 8, 2022, had named several individuals, including the candidate, the middleman, a private coaching institute teacher, and the then Deputy Secretary-cum-Deputy Controller of Examinations at APPSC.

Further investigations revealed additional details, leading to the filing of the first and second supplementary chargesheets on January 31, 2023, and March 30, 2023, respectively. These chargesheets implicated more individuals, including the then Deputy Controller of Examinations and another private person.

The CBI's investigation uncovered that the Deputy Controller, in collaboration with the middleman and others, had facilitated the leak of the AE (Civil) examination questions to various candidates in exchange for significant bribes.

The case was initially registered by the CBI on October 26, 2022, following a reference from the Arunachal Pradesh government through the Department of Personnel and Training. The CBI has named several individuals in the chargesheets, including Akhilesh Yadav, Taket Jerang, Tama Saroh, Tomas Gaduk, Tanyang Gaduk, Binam Jomang, and Talung Jomang. 

About the Examination:-

The Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) conducts various examinations to recruit candidates for government positions in the state. The Assistant Engineer (Civil) exam is one of the key exams organized by the APPSC, aimed at selecting qualified candidates for civil engineering roles within the state's public works and other related departments.

Details about the APPSC Assistant Engineer (Civil) Exam:

Eligibility:

Candidates must hold a degree in Civil Engineering from a recognized university or institution.

Applicants should meet specific age criteria, typically between 21 to 32 years, although age relaxations are provided for certain categories as per government norms.

Exam Pattern:

The exam generally consists of multiple papers, including General English, General Knowledge, and a subject-specific paper focused on civil engineering topics.

The objective-type questions cover a range of topics from engineering principles, environmental engineering, structural analysis, and transportation engineering, among others.

Selection Process:

The selection process includes a written examination followed by an interview or personality test.

Candidates who clear the written exam are shortlisted for the interview, where they are assessed on their technical knowledge and suitability for the role.

Significance:

The exam is crucial for filling civil engineering positions within the Arunachal Pradesh government. Successful candidates are appointed to key roles responsible for infrastructure development and maintenance in the state.

Controversy:

The 2022 exam became controversial due to the alleged leakage of question papers, which led to widespread outrage and legal action. This resulted in the involvement of the CBI to investigate and bring the culprits to justice, highlighting the importance of transparency and fairness in the examination process.