ASO Exam 2022: Orissa HC Directs OPSC to Release New Merit List within 6 Weeks

Cuttack: In a recent development regarding the ASO Examination-2022 conducted by OPSC (Odisha Public Service Commission), the High Court of Orissa has directed the state agency to release a new merit list of candidates within six weeks. The court’s decision came after a petition was filed challenging the introduction of cut-off marks for the merit list preparation following the written examination.

Earlier, on May 19, the High Court had ordered the OPSC to prepare a fresh merit list adhering to the Odisha Secretariat Service (Method of Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2016, and notify it within two months. This decision followed the court’s review of a petition filed by five candidates who were excluded from the initial shortlisted candidates’ list.

The written examination for the recruitment of 796 ASOs took place on August 27, 2022, with a total of 1,48,888 candidates appearing for the test. Subsequently, 1,104 candidates were selected for document verification and skill tests.

On July 31, the court rejected two petitions seeking a review and recall of its order, which had earlier quashed the merit list prepared by the OPSC for the recruitment of ASOs in Group B posts of Odisha Secretariat Service. The court’s ruling stands firm, emphasizing adherence to the rules and fairness in the selection process.