Supreme Court Ruling Tightens Recruitment Criteria for Rajasthan APOs

The Supreme Court ruled that candidates must hold required qualifications by the application deadline in Rajasthan Public Service Commission recruitments. This decision overturns a prior high court ruling allowing final-year law students to apply for Assistant Prosecution Officer positions. The ruling aims to avoid recruitment uncertainties and administrative challenges.

The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that candidates must possess the necessary educational qualifications on the application deadline in Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) recruitment processes.

A bench including Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta overturned a Rajasthan High Court decision that permitted final-year law students to apply for Assistant Prosecution Officer roles. Justice Nath argued that allowing candidates to meet qualifications anytime before interviews would create uncertainties and administrative burdens for the RPSC.

This ruling arose after the RPSC advertised 181 APO positions in March 2024. Applicants needed a professional Law Degree, which some final-year students lacked at the application deadline. Despite their later degree acquisition before exams, the Supreme Court backed the RPSC's stance, aiming to ensure a clear and fair recruitment process.