The declaration of the Punjab State Civil Services Combined Competitive Examination (PSCSCCE) 2025 Mains result has triggered allegations of irregularities, with candidates questioning the selection pattern and demanding an independent investigation into the shortlisting process. The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) announced the results on November 4, shortlisting 751 candidates for the interview stage against 331 advertised vacancies.Soon after the result was published, several aspirants flagged what they described as unusual patterns in the roll numbers of shortlisted candidates. They alleged that multiple candidates from the same examination rooms and centres had qualified in groups, while some roll numbers in the shortlisted list allegedly belonged to candidates who did not appear for the Mains examination.The allegations have raised concerns among aspirants over the transparency and fairness of the recruitment process. Candidates are now seeking an independent inquiry to establish whether the selection pattern points to any procedural irregularity.
86 shortlisted candidates identified in groups of consecutive roll numbers
A document circulated in connection with the controversy has identified 26 groups of consecutive roll numbers among the 751 shortlisted candidates. These groups reportedly account for 86 candidates, prompting aspirants to question the pattern of selections.According to the analysis cited by the candidates, 22 groups comprise three consecutive roll numbers each, accounting for 66 candidates. Two other groups contain four consecutive roll numbers each, representing eight candidates. The remaining two groups comprise six consecutive roll numbers each, accounting for another 12 candidates. No group of exactly five consecutive roll numbers was identified in the analysis.Candidates have also raised questions over the concentration of successful candidates in particular examination rooms. According to the allegations, 10 to 11 shortlisted candidates belonged to individual examination rooms, while a single examination centre reportedly accounted for 24.21% of the total selections.Aspirants have argued that these patterns warrant scrutiny, particularly in a competitive examination where thousands of candidates compete for a limited number of vacancies. However, the presence of consecutive roll numbers or a concentration of successful candidates at a centre does not, by itself, establish malpractice. The allegations require verification through examination records and an independent assessment.
Candidates approach President, PM and CBI seeking independent probe
The controversy has moved beyond questions raised on social media, with candidates reportedly submitting a memorandum to the President, Prime Minister, Punjab Chief Minister and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), seeking an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities.The aspirants have demanded an examination of the selection process, including the reported concentration of shortlisted candidates from particular examination rooms and centres. They have also questioned the inclusion of roll numbers allegedly belonging to candidates who did not appear for the Mains examination.Candidates have indicated that they may approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court if their concerns are not addressed. They are seeking clarity from the commission on the selection pattern and the procedures followed during the examination and evaluation stages.
Sunil Jakhar demands CBI investigation, compares controversy with NEET row
The issue has also triggered a political response, with BJP leader Sunil Jakhar demanding a CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities in the PSCSCCE 2025 Mains result.Drawing a parallel with the NEET paper leak controversy, Jakhar questioned how such a large number of candidates from specific examination rooms and centres could feature in the shortlisted list. He also flagged the 86 candidates reportedly identified in groups of three, four and six consecutive roll numbers.Jakhar questioned whether the pattern could be linked to the allotment of consecutive roll numbers and argued that the allegations warranted an independent investigation. He also criticised the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government over what he described as a failure to ensure transparency in recruitment examinations.
PPSC response awaited as candidates seek answers
With 751 candidates shortlisted for the interview stage against 331 advertised vacancies, the controversy has placed the PPSC’s result under scrutiny. The allegations have created uncertainty among aspirants, who are seeking answers before the recruitment process moves to its next stage.The claims of irregularities have not been independently established, and no conclusion about malpractice can be drawn from the roll-number patterns alone. The commission’s response and any clarification regarding the examination-centre data, attendance records and selection process will be crucial in addressing the concerns.For now, candidates are demanding transparency and an independent examination of the allegations, while the PPSC’s response remains central to resolving the controversy surrounding the PSCSCCE 2025 Mains result.
