In a significant move aimed at curbing the persistent issue of low attendance in its competitive examinations, the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) has formally requested the state government to reintroduce application fees for every test it conducts.
The Core Proposal to Save Public Money
Currently, candidates pay only a one-time registration fee, after which they can appear for multiple RPSC exams without any additional cost. This system, according to the commission, has led to a large number of registered candidates skipping the exams on the actual day, resulting in a massive financial drain. The proposal seeks to change this by mandating a separate application fee for each examination.
RPSC Chairman Utkal Rajan Sahu, speaking on Wednesday, clarified the rationale behind this recommendation. He stated that the step is necessary to check the wastage of crores of rupees spent on logistical arrangements for candidates who ultimately do not appear. The commission incurs substantial costs for printing question papers, arranging examination centres, and deploying personnel, which goes to waste when seats remain vacant.
Filtering for Serious Candidates
The underlying objective of the proposed fee structure is to ensure that only genuinely interested and committed candidates apply for the exams. The commission believes that a nominal financial commitment for each test will act as a filter, discouraging casual or non-serious applicants from filling up forms. This is expected to lead to a more manageable and serious pool of examinees, improving the overall efficiency of the recruitment process.
The proposal, which has now been sent to the state government for approval, marks a potential policy shift. If implemented, it will require aspirants to financially invest in each attempt, potentially altering the application dynamics for prestigious state services examinations conducted by the RPSC.
Potential Impact and Next Steps
The move, while aimed at reducing fiscal waste and improving resource allocation, is likely to generate discussion among job aspirants. Proponents may argue it will increase the seriousness of applicants, while critics might view it as an additional financial burden on candidates. The final decision now rests with the Rajasthan state government, which will weigh the commission's administrative concerns against the interests of the vast candidate community.
The outcome of this proposal will set a precedent for how recruitment bodies in Rajasthan and potentially other states manage exam logistics and candidate accountability in the future.
