Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has cancelled the previously announced General Merit List (GRL) for the Group-I Mains examinations of the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TGPSC). Telangana High Court Justice Namavarapu Rajeshwar Rao pronounced the judgment to conduct a complete re-evaluation of all answer scripts through a transparent process on Tuesday. Further, he set a time of eight months for the process to be completed.

The High Court ordered that if re-evaluation proves unfeasible, the commission must conduct fresh examinations. The High Court directed TGPSC to complete this process within eight months, emphasizing the urgency. The case saw prolonged deliberations over several months, with arguments concluding on July 7, 2025, and judgment being put on hold. The final verdict was announced on September 9, 2025.

The judgment comes after many petitions alleging widespread irregularities in the evaluation process following the Group-I Mains examinations held between October 21-27, 2024. The controversy led to two distinct groups approaching the High Court. First, unsuccessful candidates seeking cancellation and re-evaluation. Second, qualified candidates pleading for the selection process to proceed without disruption. The first group of petitioners raised concerns about procedural violations, including disproportionate selection from certain centres, limited representation of Telugu medium candidates, and the employment of unqualified evaluators.

TGPSC given 8-month deadline to re-evaluate Group-I exams

TGPSC said it followed proper evaluation procedures. However, the court raised serious concerns about transparency and how well those procedures were followed. The High Court ordered a re-evaluation of Group-I Mains examination papers and re-disclosure of results. If not possible, it should give an opportunity to the candidates who have qualified in Prelims by re-conducting the examinations. The High Court ordered TGPSC to complete either reevaluation or re-conducting the examination within eight months. The judgment affects hundereds of thousand candidates who appeared for the Mains examination, including those who had already undergone certificate verification.