High Court clears Group-2 exam scheduled for Feb 23

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has dismissed petitions seeking a stay on the APPSC Group-2 Main Examination, scheduled for February 23. The court clarified that exam results will be subject to its final judgment, while the state government has ramped up security measures to ensure smooth conduct.

Several candidates had challenged special reservation allocations for women, ex-servicemen, sportspersons, and disabled candidates in the APPSC Group-2 recruitment notification. Petitioners argued that the reservation roster violated Supreme Court guidelines and requested a fresh notification.

However, the High Court refused to halt the exam, directing the state government to file counters in the case. Meanwhile, APPSC chairman A. Anuradha held a review meeting with officials to assess exam preparations. She emphasized the need for tight security arrangements across 175 examination centers in 13 old district centers, where 92,250 candidates will appear.

Exam schedule and entry guidelines: Paper-1: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Entry closes at 9:45 AM). Paper-2: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM (Entry closes at 2:45 PM). Latecomers will not be allowed inside the exam hall. Section 144 imposed within a 100-meter radius of all exam centers.

Xerox and Internet centers near exam halls will be closed during the exam. Mobile phones, smartwatches, and electronic devices are strictly prohibited. CCTV surveillance arranged at sensitive exam centers for monitoring. Chief secretary K Vijayanand has ordered strict action against those spreading rumors or fake news about the exam on social media.

Officials have been directed to investigate and take legal measures against offenders. General Administration principal secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena also emphasized immediate countermeasures against misinformation.