Andhra Pradesh Group-I Exam: SIT Report Flags Unauthorised Evaluators, OMR Changes

Andhra Pradesh Group-I Exam SIT Report: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in the APPSC Group-I examination has flagged several concerns in the evaluation process, including alleged unauthorised access, changes involving OMR sheets and deviations from prescribed procedures. The findings have raised fresh questions over the transparency of the recruitment process.

The SIT was constituted following allegations of irregularities in the evaluation of Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) Group-I Mains answer scripts. The Andhra Pradesh High Court had directed the investigation team to examine the safety of answer scripts, possible tampering, original OMR sheets and related records.

The investigation has also focused on the role of evaluators, the handling of answer scripts and technical records connected with the examination process. The developments are significant for candidates affected by the long-running APPSC Group-I examination dispute.

Official APPSC Website:
https://portal-psc.ap.gov.in/

APPSC Group-I Exam SIT Report: Key Highlights

The Andhra Pradesh High Court had directed the SIT to examine whether answer scripts were securely preserved and whether any tampering had occurred. The investigation also included checking original OMR sheets and relevant data.

What Did the APPSC Group-I SIT Probe Find?

The SIT investigation has examined alleged irregularities in the evaluation and handling of Group-I Mains answer scripts.

The concerns include:

• Use of evaluators whose authorisation has been questioned
• Possible deviations from the prescribed evaluation procedure
• Examination of OMR sheets and control bundles
• Questions regarding the safety and handling of answer scripts
• Examination of official records connected with evaluation
• Verification of technical and documentary evidence
• Possible manipulation or alteration of examination-related records

The investigation comes against the backdrop of earlier court proceedings in which candidates had challenged the evaluation process and alleged irregularities in the Group-I recruitment.

APPSC Group-I OMR Changes Under Investigation

One of the important aspects of the investigation is the verification of OMR sheets and related records.

The High Court had specifically directed the SIT to compare original OMR sheets and data and to examine whether answer scripts had been tampered with. The court had also ordered scrutiny of the scripts of non-selected candidates and candidates immediately below the last selected rank.

The issue is significant because OMR sheets are designed to be processed through standardised methods with minimal human intervention.

APPSC examination instructions themselves state that OMR sheets can be invalidated for certain types of tampering. The commission's published instructions also prohibit alterations using materials such as whitener, eraser or blade and state that tampering with the barcode can result in invalidation.

Why Are Unauthorised Evaluators a Major Concern?

The role of evaluators has become a major issue in the APPSC Group-I case.

Earlier court proceedings had included allegations that Group-I Mains answer sheets were evaluated through unauthorised evaluators and that the evaluation process was changed after the examination had commenced.

The latest SIT investigation is examining the records and circumstances surrounding the evaluation process.

The question of who was authorised to evaluate answer scripts is important because recruitment examinations require a controlled and documented evaluation system. Any deviation from prescribed procedures can raise questions about whether candidates were assessed uniformly.

APPSC Group-I Answer Script Evaluation Case

The controversy relates to the APPSC Group-I Services recruitment examination notified under Notification No. 27/2018.

Candidates had challenged the evaluation and selection process through court proceedings. A single judge had earlier directed APPSC to conduct the Group-I Mains examination afresh after finding irregularities in the evaluation process. The matter subsequently reached the Division Bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

The High Court later ordered a detailed SIT investigation into the allegations.

In February 2026, the court directed the government to constitute or reconstitute an SIT headed by an officer not below the rank of ADGP. The investigation was asked to verify the safety of answer scripts, examine possible tampering and compare original OMR sheets with available data.

AP Group-I SIT Investigation: What Was Examined?

The SIT has been examining both physical and digital evidence linked to the examination.

The SIT also began collecting documentary and technical evidence from APPSC officials and other persons connected with the case.

APPSC Group-I Case and Forensic Audit

The forensic examination of answer sheets has been an important component of the investigation.

In June 2026, the SIT told the Andhra Pradesh High Court that around 80% of the forensic audit of answer sheets had been completed, while reports from some laboratories were still awaited. The SIT had sent answer sheets to forensic laboratories in other states as part of the investigation.

This forensic examination is intended to provide technical evidence regarding the condition and handling of the examination material.

Andhra Pradesh High Court on Group-I Exam Irregularities

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has been closely monitoring the APPSC Group-I examination dispute.

The court ordered an SIT investigation after allegations were raised regarding the evaluation of answer scripts. The court also directed the investigation team to examine selected candidates as well as a group of candidates who narrowly missed selection.

The High Court had earlier noted shortcomings in official records and prima facie irregularities in the evaluation process while dealing with the case.

APPSC Group-I Exam Controversy: Timeline

The case has remained under judicial scrutiny because of the implications for candidates who participated in the recruitment process.

What Does the SIT Report Mean for APPSC Group-I Candidates?

The SIT findings could have important implications for candidates who participated in the APPSC Group-I recruitment.

However, the findings of an investigation do not automatically determine the final legal outcome. Any further action will depend on the SIT's complete findings, the Andhra Pradesh High Court's orders and decisions taken by the competent authorities.

Candidates should therefore wait for official court directions and APPSC notifications before assuming that the recruitment process will be cancelled, revised or conducted again.

Will APPSC Conduct Group-I Exam Again?

The question of whether the APPSC Group-I exam will be conducted again depends on the outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings and the final decisions of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

Earlier proceedings had resulted in directions concerning a fresh Group-I Mains examination, but the matter has subsequently been considered by the Division Bench and investigated through the SIT.

Therefore, candidates should not rely on unofficial claims about a fresh examination until APPSC or the High Court issues a definitive notification or order.

APPSC Group-I Exam 2026: Important Points

Candidates searching for APPSC Group-I exam irregularities, APPSC Group 1 SIT report, Andhra Pradesh Group 1 exam controversy, APPSC Group 1 OMR issue, Group 1 answer sheet tampering, APPSC Group 1 evaluation case, APPSC Group 1 latest news and APPSC Group 1 High Court case should note:

• The APPSC Group-I evaluation process is under SIT investigation.
• The Andhra Pradesh High Court ordered a detailed probe.
• The investigation covers answer scripts and OMR sheets.
• The SIT was directed to check for possible tampering.
• Evaluator authorisation is among the issues being examined.
• The SIT has collected documentary and technical evidence.
• Forensic audits of answer sheets have been conducted.
• The High Court continues to monitor developments.
• Candidates should rely on official APPSC and court updates for further decisions.

FAQs

What is the APPSC Group-I SIT report?

The SIT report relates to the investigation into alleged irregularities in the evaluation and recruitment process of the APPSC Group-I examination. The investigation covers answer scripts, OMR sheets, evaluators, official records and other evidence.

Why is the APPSC Group-I exam under investigation?

The examination has been challenged over alleged irregularities in the evaluation and handling of answer scripts. The Andhra Pradesh High Court subsequently ordered an SIT investigation.

What is the OMR issue in the APPSC Group-I case?

The investigation is examining original OMR sheets and related data to determine whether there were discrepancies or possible tampering. The High Court specifically directed the SIT to compare original OMR sheets and available records.

What are unauthorised evaluators in the APPSC Group-I case?

The term refers to allegations concerning evaluators who may not have been authorised under the prescribed evaluation process. Earlier court proceedings raised allegations regarding evaluation through unauthorised evaluators.

Who is heading the APPSC Group-I SIT?

The SIT is headed by senior IPS officer Ravi Shankar Ayyannar, who was appointed to lead the investigation.

Will the APPSC Group-I recruitment be cancelled?

There is no basis to state that the recruitment will definitely be cancelled. The final outcome depends on the SIT investigation and subsequent orders of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

Where can candidates check APPSC Group-I updates?

Candidates can check the official Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission website:

https://portal-psc.ap.gov.in/

Conclusion

The APPSC Group-I examination controversy has entered another important phase with the SIT investigating allegations involving answer-script evaluation, evaluator authorisation and OMR records. The Andhra Pradesh High Court has directed detailed scrutiny of the examination material and related records.

The investigation is particularly significant because the Group-I recruitment process has already faced prolonged legal challenges. The SIT's forensic examination and documentary investigation are expected to provide further clarity on the alleged irregularities.

For candidates, the key point is that no final conclusion about cancellation, fresh examination or recruitment should be drawn solely from the allegations or interim investigation findings. Candidates should continue to monitor official announcements from APPSC and orders of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

Official APPSC Website:
https://portal-psc.ap.gov.in/