Why the BIS Scientist Exam Was Cancelled Despite Being Scheduled for April 15, 2018
The cancellation of the BIS Scientist (B) exam, originally scheduled for April 15, 2018, is a complex matter that has left many aspiring candidates and officials puzzled. This article aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this decision, highlighting key factors that led to the cancellation.
Explanation of the Cancellation
After the BIS Act of 2016 came into effect, new recruitment rules were needed for the organization. These rules were essential for bringing in new talent to meet the demand for scientific cadre officers due to a shortage of manpower within the organization.
According to the existing recruitment rules on BIS's official website, the sanctioned strength for scientific cadre officers is 576, with approximately 109 vacancies currently remaining. In the absence of formal new recruitment guidelines, BIS began a recruitment process based on their interpretation of the existing rules.
Role of the CVO (Chief Vigilance Officer)
Before the cancellation was announced, it is important to understand the role of the CVO. The CVO is responsible for ensuring the adherence to ethical and legal standards within government organizations. Once the final result was declared, the CVO thoroughly examined the entire recruitment process to identify any potential issues that could affect the integrity of the exam.
Upon reviewing the recruitment process, the CVO pointed out several potential concerns that needed to be addressed. The ministry agreed with these concerns and subsequently ordered the BIS to cancel the exam.
Reason for the Cancellation
According to my analysis, the primary reason for the cancellation is the selection of the agency, IBPS (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection), without following the proper formalities such as an open tender process. BIS assumed that IBPS had a good track record in conducting similar exams, which might have led to a perceived lack of rigor in the selection process.
Government organizations always prioritize adherence to rules over personal opinions. Had the rules been followed, particularly in terms of conducting an open tender and considering the lowest bidder, the decision to select IBPS would have been more defensible. However, since these formalities were not followed, the CVO and ministry had valid reasons to cancel the exam and ensure a fair and transparent recruitment process.
Future Implications for Recruitment
Now that the exam has been cancelled, the authorities responsible for the recruitment will need to adapt to the current situation and the constraints it brings. They will have to continue the recruitment process as per the advertising and recruitment pattern specified in the existing advertisement, while paying close attention to legal and administrative aspects. However, it is highly unlikely that the authorities will find ways to circumvent the selection of an agency without formalities.
If the ministry decides not to allow this recruitment to proceed, the future of the recruitment process lies with the upcoming proposed recruitment rules. It is expected that these rules will be finalized in about six months and if accepted, the recruitment will follow the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) process with a weightage of 20% for the interview.
Conclusion: The cancellation of the BIS Scientist exam was a necessary step to ensure the integrity of the recruitment process. While the selection of IBPS was a perceived short cut, the importance of following rules and ensuring transparency cannot be overstated. The long-term solution lies in the upcoming recruitment rules that will provide a clear framework for future selections.
Best of luck to all candidates who are preparing for any upcoming recruitment processes.
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