Rajasthan High Court Nullifies 2021 Sub-Inspector Exam Amid Scandal
Rajasthan SI Recruitment Exam Canceled
The Rajasthan High Court has officially annulled the long-disputed Sub-Inspector (SI) Recruitment Examination of 2021 due to serious allegations of irregularities and a paper leak. This decision, made by Justice Sameer Jain on Thursday, August 28, 2025, has left many candidates who were hopeful about their prospects in disarray.
Exam Cancellation Linked to Paper Leak Controversy
The SI recruitment exam faced significant backlash shortly after its administration, with claims of paper leaks and widespread cheating emerging. This prompted an investigation by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Rajasthan Police, resulting in the arrest of over 50 trainee sub-inspectors and others involved in the scandal.
Despite opposition from the ruling BJP government against the exam's cancellation, the High Court favored the petitioners, highlighting substantial evidence of fraud in the recruitment process. Senior advocate Major R.P. Singh, representing the petitioners, emphasized that the recruitment process was severely compromised and criticized the government's delayed response. He stated, “This ruling should serve as a warning to those who jeopardize the future of our youth.”
Political Responses: A Unified Front
The cancellation has surprisingly garnered support from various political leaders, despite previous disagreements. Agriculture Minister Kirori Lal Meena described the court's ruling as a triumph for truth, asserting that more than half of the selected candidates were unqualified for service. He warned, “If such individuals had joined the police force, it would have jeopardized law and order.”
Conversely, the Congress party also praised the ruling. Opposition leader Tikaram Jully remarked that the Congress has consistently advocated for the rights of students and candidates. He noted that it was the former Congress administration that enacted strict anti-paper leak laws, which included severe penalties for offenders.
Jully further criticized the BJP for its contradictory stance, claiming they publicly supported youth while opposing the exam's cancellation in court. He expressed this sentiment on social media, highlighting the BJP's double standards.
RPSC Under Investigation
The High Court has mandated a review of the allegations against the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC), which oversaw the exam. The involvement of RPSC members will now be scrutinized by a division bench, raising significant concerns regarding the integrity of this key recruitment body.
Candidates Left in Uncertainty
This ruling has plunged thousands of candidates, who dedicated considerable time and resources to prepare for the SI recruitment, into uncertainty. The state government has not yet clarified whether a new recruitment process will be initiated or how it intends to support those affected.
When questioned about the verdict, Parliamentary Affairs and Law Minister Jogaram Patel acknowledged he had not thoroughly reviewed the judgment but assured that the government would comply with the court's decision. “We will take necessary actions in line with the ruling,” he stated.
Looking Forward
The annulment of the Rajasthan SI Recruitment 2021 adds to the series of exam-related controversies in the state. A few years prior, issues in the REET Level-2 examination also led to its cancellation and subsequent retest, ultimately benefiting over 50,000 candidates.
Currently, the High Court's decision serves as a stern warning against corruption and malpractice in public recruitment examinations. However, for countless candidates, the uncertainty persists—not regarding results, but about the future of their aspirations to join the police force.