Debate has sparked around the use of caste-based reservation in India, following the release of the cut-off for the Combined Competitive (Preliminary) Examination 2022 by the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC). The cut-off for the Open Category was set at 74.5 for males and 71 for females, while candidates from OBC/MOBC, SC, STP, and STH categories had lower cut-offs ranging from 38.5 to 54.5.
However, the announcement has triggered discussions on whether the system of caste-based reservation is unfairly benefiting the General or Open category. There is concern that if a candidate from an ST/SC reservation secures a score higher than the cut-off set for the Open category, they are awarded a seat under that category, leaving the reserved ST/SC seats vacant.
This has led to some questioning whether the caste-based reservation system is unfairly burdening the Open category. However, others still argue that the reservation system is necessary to rectify the oppression and inequality that marginalized communities have faced for decades before Independence.
[The APSC notification can be found by swiping left.]
