Alteration in evaluation criteria after completion of interviews is arbitrary and not permissible.

Supreme Court Upholds High Court's Decision Against J&K Service Selection Board's Arbitrary Alteration in Recruitment Criteria The Apex Court dismisses the appeal by J&K Service Selection Board, reinforcing the principle of non-arbitrariness in recruitment processes.

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed the appeal filed by the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (J&K SSB) against a decision by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir. The appeal challenged the High Court's order which set aside the Board's alteration in the evaluation criteria after the completion of interviews for recruitment to the posts of Foresters in the Jammu Division.

The Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Manoj Misra and Prasanna B. Varale delivered the judgment on November 26, 2025, upholding the principles of transparency and non-arbitrariness in recruitment processes. The case revolved around the J&K SSB's decision to alter the weightage points for B.Sc. Forestry degrees after the candidates had completed their interviews. Originally, the Board had assigned 25 points to the degree, but subsequently divided the weightage, awarding 20 points for a three-year course and 25 points for a four-year course.

This alteration came under scrutiny after candidates with three-year degrees, who had been shortlisted based on the initial criteria, challenged the Board's decision. The High Court Division Bench had previously ruled that such a change, made post-interview, was arbitrary and lacked rational nexus to the recruitment's objective, especially when the minimum academic qualification was only 10+2 with science, emphasizing physical attributes and viva voce.

The Supreme Court, referencing prior judgments like K. Manjusree v. State of Andhra Pradesh and Tej Prakash Pathak v. High Court of Rajasthan, reiterated that recruitment processes must remain consistent once initiated, particularly after candidates have undergone all stages of evaluation. The judgment emphasized that any alteration post-interview lacks transparency and does not adhere to the rational objectives intended.

The Court recognized the impact of the decision on candidates who had already served as Foresters and could face age restrictions in future government job applications if ousted. It supported the High Court's directive to consider such candidates for any vacant posts or create additional posts to accommodate them.

This ruling reinforces judicial precedents against arbitrary changes in recruitment criteria, ensuring fairness and transparency in public service appointments. It serves as a reminder to recruiting bodies across India to maintain consistency and adhere to established guidelines throughout the recruitment process.

Bottom Line:

Recruitment Process - Alteration in evaluation criteria after completion of interviews is arbitrary and not permissible.

J And K Service Selection Board v. Sudesh Kumar, (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2815913