Low Attendance at Group-II Surprises All

Hyderabad: The Telangana State Public Service Commission’s Group-II examinations concluded on Monday with paper-III (Economy and Development) in the morning and paper-IV (Telangana Movement and State Formation) in the afternoon session.

While many aspirants found the papers easier than expected, controversy emerged over a few questions. Along with that, a few interesting stories including stories of determination emerged from across the state, one involving an aspirant writing the paper while experiencing labour pain.

The attendance figures dropped further as exams proceeded. From Sunday’s 45.7 per cent the turnout on Monday was 45.62 per cent in the morning and 45.57 per cent in the afternoon.

The exams, held after a decade-long hiatus, were conducted across 1,368 centres in all 33 districts, but the low participation rate raised concerns. “The cause for low turnout must be investigated,” notes a TSPSC coach.

Paper-IV stirred discussions among candidates due to its comprehensive approach to the Telangana movement. Questions featured Andhra leaders, irrigation projects, and events spanning decades. Approximately over 10 questions focused on the Telugu Desam and its leaders.

A few examples of that would be: “When Chandrababu Naidu was Chief Minister, he adopted Adilabad district and developed irrigation projects,” and, “The Telugu Desam gave a letter to Pranab Mukherjee Committee in favour of a separate Telangana state on October 18, 2009.”

Opinions among candidates were divided. Some were caught off-guard by the inclusion of Andhra-related topics, while others argued that these were integral to the historical timeline. “The Telangana movement is historical, and Andhra’s role cannot be isolated. The 1969 agitation too comes under the Telangana movement, so these questions are a part of the syllabus,” said Govardhani, an aspirant.

Questions on BRS chief K. Chandrashekhar Rao, TRS, and even the original Telangana Thalli statue also featured in the paper.

However, the inclusion of references to TD leaders raised concerns. Minister Harish Rao criticised the framing on social media, stating, “Today’s TSPSC exam felt more like APPSC. Telangana’s history cannot be erased; it’s a signature on time, not on paper.”

Paper-III, which focused on economics, was widely regarded as straightforward. An aspirant at the Government Degree College for Women in Begumpet commented, “The paper was factual and balanced; nothing tricky came up. Most aspirants would have found it manageable.”

Gopala Krishna, the director of a TSPSC coaching centre, explained, “Overall, the minimum qualifying mark will be lower as the questions across all papers required in-depth study. Only those who have been preparing for a long time would find recalling the correct answers manageable.”

Amidst the examinations, stories of determination stood out. In Nagarkurnool, Revathnagar, a pregnant aspirant from Banala village in Balmuru mandal, completed her paper despite experiencing labour pains. She insisted on finishing the exam at ZDP High School in Kurnool town, declining offers of hospitalisation from the vigilant staff. Emergency medical assistance was on standby, but she persisted and completed her exam.

In another incident, at Patancheru Government Degree College in Sangareddy district, L. Nagesh suffered an epilepsy attack while writing the fourth paper. SSI Asif, a police officer on duty, carried Nagesh down from the third floor when an ambulance was delayed. Thanks to the prompt response, Nagesh survived, though doctors later attributed the episode to epilepsy.

Not all moments were as inspiring. In Palwancha, a latecomer to the exam, caused a scene when denied entry. He protested by stripping off his clothes in frustration. Police intervened to resolve the situation.

The TSPSC is expected to release the results by March 2025, and many aspirants are vouching for it for a stable future. Punyavati, who took the exam at Government Degree College for Women, shared, “I want a government job. If this doesn’t work out, I’ll pursue a PhD in microbiology.”