Nagaland: CTAN demands re-examination of forest guard written exam

Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) has demanded re-examination of the Forest Guard written examination conducted by the department of environment, forest & climate change, citing multiple serious irregularities that compromised transparency, fairness, and justice.
Addressing a press conference at Kohima Press Club here on Thursday, CTAN convenor Er. Meshenlo Kath and co-convenor Er. Kaqheto, along with affected aspirants, highlighted that over 20,000 candidates’ futures were at stake.
After receiving numerous complaints and thorough review, CTAN said it identified several major lapses: No OMR sheets were provided, raising concerns over accuracy, uniformity, and transparency in evaluation; negative marking was not mentioned in the notification or question paper; question papers were collected after the exam, yet an answer key was released later, preventing candidates from verifying responses; correction pens were allowed in some centres (against standard rules) but prohibited in others; candidates were charged Rs.300 each for Medical Fitness Certificates; 3:1 interview ratio was violated by allowing 29 extra candidates; discrepancies in selection (155 candidates initially declared selected, later reduced to 154); a candidate (Roll No. 17482) cleared the interview but was disqualified after three days on age grounds; a candidate (Roll No. 0103) was not in the interview notification but appeared in the final result; merit lists released on December 22 and later did not match; chest measurement (mandatory physical criterion) was not conducted; approval was based on verbal assurance.
CTAN said it had submitted a written application to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests demanding re-examination to restore fairness and integrity.
Kath said the department was attempting to cover up unethical practices, and such lapses were embarrassing for a reputed department.
He urged the parents and aspirants to support the cause for the future of Naga youth.