HSSC goof up: 41 questions in Group-56 paper repeated from exam held a day before

While for the Group-56 exam, for appointment to various Class-3 jobs, the minimum qualification is graduation, that for the Group-56 exam is Class-12. Both exams are conducted by Haryana staff selection commission

In a major goof-up, 41 out of 100 questions asked in Monday’s Common Eligibility Test (CET) for Group-56 candidates were the same as the ones asked in the Group-57 exam held on Sunday.

Candidates pointed out that many who took the Group 56 exam on Monday may also have appeared for Sunday’s Group 57 exam, thus giving them an edge over other candidates. (HT File)

Hindustan Times has accessed question papers of both the exams, conducted by the Haryana staff selection commission (HSSC).

While for the Group-56 exam, for appointment to various Class-3 jobs, the minimum qualification is graduation, that for the Group-56 exam is Class-12.

Candidates pointed out that many who took the exam on Monday may also have appeared for Sunday’s exam, thus giving them an edge over other candidates.

Questions that have been repeated in the Group-57 exam include: the full form of IMRB, the year NAFED was established, what’s the term for water accumulated under the ground surface, what’s the mixing of unwanted substance with water called, the reason behind red soil developing a reddish colour etc.

The HSSC has also repeated two questions in the same paper – two in the Hindi section and two in the English portion.

Meenu Joon, a native of Karnal, who resides in Rohtak, said she was shocked after seeing more than 40 questions repeated in the Group 57 exam.

“This is a cruel joke on the aspirants. Earlier, we had to return home from Panchkula as the exam, which was initially supposed to be held on Saturday, was stayed by the Punjab and Haryana high court. Though we had found out about the stay orders from the media, uncertainty prevailed as the HSSC did not intimate till as late as 11.15pm on Friday night,” she said.

Sunil Beniwal, a resident of a village in Rohtak, who had appeared in Monday’s exam, said the HSSC should immediately cancel this exam as candidates who appeared in Sunday’s exam have an edge.

“The HSSC does not follow a proper system. Earlier, when we faced problems in problems in downloading the admit cards, the commission asked us to reach the centre without the admit card and assured us entry. Such poor arrangements can only occur in Haryana,” he added.

Jyoti, a resident of Jhajjar, said, “We studied for several months to crack this exam. And now over 40 questions have been repeated. Why are there no checks and balances in place?”

Haryana staff selection commission chairman Bhopal Singh Khadri could not be reached for a comment despite repeated attempts.