Cancellation of written examination due to procedural irregularities in selection test

1.            As the Railways are aware in terms of extant instructions written tests which are a mandatory part of selection procedure for promotion to the posts classified as ‘Selection’ except for a few categories, may be conducted in two phases i.e. main examination and if required, supplementary examinations, which are conducted for providing opportunity to the candidates who could not attend the main examination for the reasons beyond their control. Instructions also provide for cancellation of selection in case the same is decided keeping in view the procedural irregularities noticed in the selection procedure.

2.         Recently, during Vigilance Investigations it has come to the notice of Board that one of the Zonal Railways while cancelling the written examination had only cancelled the main examination since irregularities were noticed in the main examination only and accordingly Railway decided to go ahead with supplementary examination after cancellation of main examination.

3.         The matter has accordingly been considered by the Board and it is clarified that whenever due to irregularities noticed in the Selection procedure, Competent Authority decides to cancel the main examination, in such a case supplementary examination also automatically ceases to exist. Conversely, in the event there are irregularities in the supplementary examination, the supplementary examination may be conducted afresh without affecting the main examination. These instructions will be applicable in case of main & supplementary  viva-cove also. However, in cases where viva-voce is also conducted besides written test as a part of selection procedure and it is decided to cancel the viva-voce only, then it will not be necessary to cancel the written examination. However, in case it is decided to cancel the written examination in such a case complete selection procedure shall stand cancelled.

4.         Past cases decided otherwise need not be reopened.