AESRB Recruitment: Aspirants Cry Foul Play Over Selection Process

The Assam Engineering Service Recruitment Board (AESRB) is in the middle of a brewing storm as a number of aspirants have come forward to accuse it of gross irregularities and secretive procedures in the recently concluded recruitment process for Assistant Professor posts in government engineering colleges.

The recruitment drive, which was made public through Notification No. AESRB-02/2025, was meant to fill empty teaching posts in different departments such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical Engineering.

Nevertheless, what was supposed to be a meritorious and equal selection drive is now under public scrutiny due to a number of complaints, emails, and social media messages from affected candidates.

Alleged Specialization Bias and Unfair Disqualification

One of the most distressing grievances has been filed by a candidate who had passed the written test and was invited for the Teaching Proficiency Test (TPT) on July 18. In a substantive complaint sent via email to the higher government authorities, including the Chief Minister, Education Minister, and AESRB members, the candidate recounts a highly discouraging experience.

In spite of satisfying the eligibility requirements and holding an M.Tech in "Engineering Mechanics and Design" from a well-known NIT, the candidate was told at the interview center, after a whole day's wait, that he was not eligible because his area of specialization was not an "exact match" from the list mentioned in the official advertisement. This in spite of a sub-clause in the advertisement whereby subject matter experts could consider specializations not found there.

"I  submitted all documents at the time of application. If they felt my degree was not qualifying, why invite me for writing the test and come all the way for the interview?" the candidate stated. He also disclosed going through surgery a few days before the written examination, compelling him to travel under significant physical and mental discomfort.

"By refusing my candidature, they are in effect ignoring a degree from a National Institute," the contender further questioned the consistency and purpose of the selection norms.

Suspicious Roll Number Clustering Quells Instincts

In addition to complaints of disqualification, observers and candidates have also expressed alarm over a peculiar trend in the roll numbers of the shortlisted candidates. In-depth observations provided to this publication indicate that there was an unusually large number of cases where candidates with consecutive roll numbers were all shortlisted within different departments.

In Civil Engineering, 19 out of 72 shortlisted candidates had back-to-back roll numbers. The same trend was seen in Mechanical (12 out of 42), Electrical (6 out of 15), and Chemical Engineering (5 out of 18). While one or two occurrences may be relegated to chance, the sheer number and uniformity across departments raised serious alarm among aspirants.

"In such patterns, statistical probability is defied in a randomized and fair selection process," argued one of the aspirants, who scrutinized the lists. "There is no reason why roll numbers should be assigned in the order of applications."

These groupings, several accuse, may reveal potential collusion, malpractice conducted in an organized manner, or manipulation at the exam or evaluation levels.

Concerns Over Exam Integrity and Oversight

Compounding the anxiety are alleged lapses during the written test itself. Several aspirants alleged that frisking at the centers was relaxed and that invigilators made minimal intervention when some candidates took to discussing answers within the hall.

"Something fishy about this year's recruitment," was the verdict of one candidate.

Public Sentiment and Press Coverage

The charges have also struck a chord in the public sphere. A widely read letter to the editor, carried in one of Assam’s major English daily (The Assam tribune), questioned the authenticity of the selection process and called for the Education Minister to order a high-level, independent investigation.

"Such grouping is statistically unlikely under honest assessment and signifies very serious malpractice or collusion," the letter added, cautioning that if not addressed, the problem could lead to erosion of public faith and impairment of the quality of technical education in Assam.

Call for Accountability and Transparency

Although there is currently no definitive proof of wrongdoing, the magnitude and scope of charges suggest that immediate introspection and action are imperative. Contenders, most of whom have come forward with their complaints in a series of reports in the media in recent days, are calling for transparency, accountability, and a re-examination of the selection process.

As the demand for explanations becomes more vociferous, everyone is now looking up to the Government of Assam and the Higher Education Department. A legitimate and time-bound investigation could not only instill confidence in the recruitment process but could also stop the further loss of faith in Assam's technical educational institutions.

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