Know Telangana struggle, pass exam

Hyderabad: Extensive knowledge of the Telangana agitation will play a vital role for candidates aspiring for the civil services in Telangana. At least a third of the maximum marks of 900 in the TSPSC Group I written tests will be devoted to various aspects like history, cultural heritage and economy of Telangana, apart from the events leading to the formation of the state.

Interviews are also likely to be part of all the tests for appointment to state civil service jobs. Till date, the interview process was restricted only to candidates appearing for the Group I exam, but now the proposal has been extended to all categories of government jobs.

The suggestions have been made by the Kadiam Srihari Cabinet sub-committee. They are to be approved by the TS Cabinet. However, some say these moves might give too much power to the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC), which is the body conducing all examinations for government jobs.

“Interview carries just 100 marks but the fate of borderline students will be in the hands of the interview panel of the TSPSC. It’s a delicate issue,” sources in the TS education ministry said.

That apart, what is certain is that extensive knowledge of Telangana will be a pre-requisite to qualify. The written examination for Group 1 carries 1000 marks, out of which 100 is for the interview.

The interview will definitely include questions on Telangana. But apart from that, 150 marks paper on the Telangana Movement and the state’s formation is likely to be added.

The paper will have three subsections viz. The Idea of Telangana (1948 to 1970), mobilisation phase (1970 to 1991) and the formation of TS (1991 to 2014).

Also, two other papers will be based partly on TS. The second paper on History and Geography will also focus mainly on TS. While another chapter has emphasis on TS economy.

A Telangana State Civil Services cadre is also likely to be created as junior IAS officers on the lines of Kerala.