APSC CCE 2024 Results Cancelled Due to Moran Community Reservation Error: Full Details, Minister’s Explanation, and Revised List Update
APSC CCE 2024 Results Cancelled: In-Depth Analysis of the Reservation Error, Official Explanations, and Path to Revised Results
The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) made headlines across the state and beyond when it cancelled the CCE 2024 results just hours after their initial declaration on February 16, 2026. This dramatic turn of events stemmed from a technical error in the allocation of reserved posts for the Moran community, leading to widespread disappointment among aspirants, protests, and immediate governmental intervention. The incident highlighted ongoing challenges in implementing reservation policies accurately in competitive examinations while underscoring the state’s commitment to corrective measures and transparency.
Background of APSC CCE 2024 Examination
The Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024, conducted by the APSC, is one of Assam’s most prestigious recruitment drives for entry into services like the Assam Civil Service (ACS Junior Grade), Assam Police Service (APS Junior Grade), and other allied posts under the Government of Assam. The process includes three rigorous stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Viva Voce (Interview).
The examination process saw significant enhancements in transparency under the current administration. Candidates received carbon copies of their OMR sheets for the prelims, mains answer scripts underwent digital evaluation, interviews were video-recorded, and expert panels were involved. These measures aimed to build trust in the system after past controversies surrounding APSC recruitments.
The final results, encompassing selections for approximately 278-288 posts (exact numbers varied slightly in reports but centered around key services), were eagerly awaited by thousands of aspirants who had invested years in preparation.
The Sudden Cancellation: What Happened on February 16, 2026
On February 16, 2026, the APSC uploaded the final select list on its official website, sparking celebrations among successful candidates. However, within hours—literally minutes in some accounts—the Commission issued a notification cancelling the results with immediate effect.
The official reason cited was an “inadvertent error” in the notified list (referencing letter No. 460PSC/CON/Exam-37/2024-2025 dated Guwahati, February 16, 2026). The Commission assured that a fresh, corrected select list would be uploaded shortly after careful re-examination.
This abrupt withdrawal triggered confusion, frustration, and speculation. Social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, flooded with reactions from candidates questioning the integrity of the process.
Root Cause: Reservation Error Involving Moran and Matak Communities
The core issue revolved around the implementation of reservation provisions for the Moran and Matak (Motok) communities under the OBC/MOBC category.
According to government directives:
- A 2023 government memorandum (dated October 19, 2023) mandated reservation of one post each for Moran and Matak communities in ACS (Junior Grade) and APS (Junior Grade) for the next five years.
- The 2024 advertisement, based on vacant post lists from the Assam government, reserved two posts each for Moran and Matak in Assam Civil Service and Assam Police Service.
This effectively meant two reserved posts for each community (totaling four under the Moran-Matak sub-quota within OBC/MOBC).
However, the initially declared results allocated all four posts to candidates from the Matak community on merit, completely overlooking Moran candidates. No Moran community member featured in the reserved slots, violating the policy.
Complaints poured in from the Moran Students’ Union and other Moran organizations, highlighting the discrepancy. Both communities raised concerns—Moran groups demanded inclusion, while some Matak representatives questioned the fairness of potential removals.
Upon review, the APSC, following government directives, cancelled the list to rectify the allocation.
Minister Chandramohan Patowary’s Explanation in the Assam Legislative Assembly
The matter escalated to the Assam Legislative Assembly during the Budget (Vote-on-Account) session’s zero hour on February 17, 2026—the very next day.
MLA Ashraful Hussain raised the issue, prompting Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandramohan Patowary to provide a detailed response.
Key points from the minister’s statement:
- The cancellation resulted from improper allocation of reserved posts for the Moran community.
- The error was purely technical and unintentional, not deliberate.
- Only one community (Matak) benefited in the erroneous list, causing “confusion” or imbalance.
- Corrections would ensure two Moran candidates are included in the reserved posts.
- The APSC was actively preparing a new results list incorporating Moran candidates.
- He reiterated the Commission’s transparency measures across exam stages to assure fairness.
The minister emphasized the government’s dedication to transparent recruitment, noting steps like digital evaluations and video-recorded interviews.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Clarification
Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed the media on February 17, describing the issue as a “small discrepancy” in reservation allocation.
He stated: “Moran and Motok communities were supposed to get two reservations each. However, APSC granted four seats of reservation to the Motok community only.”
The CM confirmed the revised list would address this by including Moran candidates, with changes implemented promptly. He described it as a technical oversight rather than systemic failure.
Public Reactions, Protests, and Youth Disappointment
The episode caused significant disappointment among Assam’s youth, many of whom had prepared extensively for the CCE. Social media discussions highlighted frustration over uncertainty and delays.
Protests erupted in areas like Sivasagar, with hundreds alleging administrative lapses in handling the select list.
Opposition voices, including some MLAs, called for investigations into the misallocation to prevent future recurrences and ensure fair recruitment.
Resolution: Revised Results Declared on February 17, 2026
True to assurances, the APSC declared the revised CCE 2024 results on February 17, 2026, after re-verification.
Key updates in the revised list:
- Compliance with government orders for one post each (total two per community) for Moran and Matak under OBC/MOBC in ACS and APS.
- Inclusion of Moran candidates in the reserved slots.
- For ACS (Junior Grade): 45 posts filled, with breakdowns including Open Category (24, with RFW), OBC/MOBC (13, including Moran/Matak reservations), SC, ST(P), ST(H).
- Nihar Ranjan Deka emerged as a topper in some reports.
- Interviews (January 20 to February 9, 2026) were re-verified with expert involvement.
The revision ensured equitable distribution without major overhauls beyond the quota corrections.
Implications for Future APSC Examinations and Reservation Policies
This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities in reservation implementation, especially for sub-groups within OBC/MOBC. It reinforces the need for robust verification mechanisms before result declaration.
The government’s swift response—cancellation, explanation, and revision—demonstrates accountability. It also highlights ongoing efforts to restore public faith in APSC processes amid past criticisms.
For aspirants, the episode underscores patience and vigilance regarding official notifications. Future candidates should monitor APSC’s website and government memoranda closely.
In conclusion, the APSC CCE 2024 results cancellation due to the Moran community reservation error was a short-lived controversy resolved through prompt administrative action. While it caused temporary distress, the transparent handling and quick release of revised results reaffirm Assam’s commitment to fair, merit-based recruitment with due regard to social justice.
