CTAN and others addressing press conference in Kohima on January 29. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 29
The Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) on January 29 demanded for re-examination of Forest Guard (written examination) conducted on July 12, 2025, alleging the detection of anomalies.
CTAN submitted a representation on behalf of the candidates who appeared tor the Forest Guard examination conducted by the Department of Forest and the same was communicated at the press conference in Kohima on January 29.
In a representation submitted to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Nagaland, Kohima, CTAN sought intervention and consideration of the later for re-examination “due to several serious irregularities observed during the conduct of the examination which have adversely affected transparency and fairness.”
CTAN alleged that the examination was conducted without the use of OMR sheds, which raises concerns regarding accuracy-, uniformity and transparency in evaluation.
The examination notification and question paper did not mention any provision for negative marking.
It stated that the question papers were collected after the examination; however, the answer key was later released. “This prevented candidates from verifying their responses and ensuring fairness in evaluation,” CTAN stated.
In certain examination centres, candidates were permitted to use correction pens, which is against standard examination rules and was prohibited in other centres.
The candidates were charged Rs 300 each in the name of Medical Fitness Certificate.
It stated that the Recruitment rules prescribe a 3:1 ratio of candidates for the interview based on the written examination results. However, 29 extra candidate were allowed to appear for the interview, violating the prescribed ratio.
Talking on discrepancy in number of selected candidates, CTAN stated that as per the corrigendum, 155 candidates were declared selected: however, later only 154 candidates were selected.
“It is noted that a candidate bearing Roll number 17482, who successfully cleared the interview and was subsequently disqualified after three days on the grounds of age. Candidate bearing Roll Number 0103 was not selected for the written examination and did not appear in the interview notification, yet it was included in the final result,” CTA stated.
Merit list of the result first declared on 22nd December and the subsequent merit list which was released later did not tally, it stated.
Chest measurement, a mandatory physical eligibility criterion was not conducted for candidates. Approval for these candidates was solely based on verbal assurance, it stated.
“In view of the above-mentioned discrepancies and procedural lapses, the CTAN respectfully demand the concerned authority to order a re-examination of the Forest Guard Written Examination to uphold fairness, transparency, and justice for all candidates, CTAN stated.
The representation, signed by CTAN Convenor, Er Meshenlo Kath and Co-convenor Er Kaqheto Kughutu hoped that the department will give due consideration to its representation and take necessary action “in the interest of the aspirants and the integrity of the recruitment process.”
