613 posts of Asst Professors, but only 151 pass English test

A mere 151 candidates could qualify the Subject Knowledge Test—English—for the posts of Assistant Professors (college cadre) in Haryana. The Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) had conducted the exam for the Higher Education Department.

A total of 613 posts were advertised, vide an advertisement in 2024, of which 312 were of the General Category, 120 (SCs), 121 (Backward Classes), and 60 (Economically Weaker Sections).

Over 2,050 candidates had cleared the screening test and were further allowed to take the Subject Knowledge Test. The screening test results were announced on July 13. The Subject Knowledge Test was conducted on August 6. However, only 151 could score more than 35 per cent, according to the results declared on December 2.

According to the HPSC website, the results are subject to 27 petitions pending in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, of which 26 were filed in 2025. It also states, “While preparing the result, due care has been taken. However, the possibility of any inadvertent error cannot be ruled out. The Commission reserves its right to rectify any error at a later stage.”

The results have sparked reactions from candidates and opposition parties regarding the fairness of the recruitment process. The screening test had 100 multiple-choice questions, but the Subject Knowledge Test had a subjective exam.

A candidate who has failed to clear the Subject Knowledge Test said, “There were 613 posts, but only 151 could qualify. Many of them who were university toppers have cleared the NET. I would like to see my answer sheet. It happens with subjective marking. The examiners can give you any number of marks.”

“Everywhere, there are vacancies. They want to fill them with the Haryana Kaushal Rozgaar Nigam at one-fourth of the salary. That is why such results are coming,” said former education minister and Congress leader Geeta Bhukkal.