The recent departmental examination for Haryana jail staff has revealed an alarming performance gap. Superintendents, deputy superintendents, assistant superintendents, and sub-assistant superintendents sat for the test in March, but a large majority failed in core subjects, raising concerns about their readiness for promotions and pay hikes.
Mass Failures Across Subjects
The most troubling result came from the Financial Rules paper, where 40 out of 41 candidates — a staggering 98% — failed. Only one deputy superintendent managed to pass, and that too just barely.
The Punjab Jail Manual (excluding appendices) paper was not much better. Out of 41 candidates, 23 failed, leaving just four in the “higher standard” category and the rest scraping by in the “lower standard.”
The Jail Manual paper also saw a 50% failure rate, with 13 of the 26 participants failing. Among those who passed, only two achieved the “higher standard.”
In Criminal Law, the results were dismal — 18 of the 24 candidates failed, reflecting a 75% failure rate. Of the six who passed, five only reached the “lower standard.”
Even the Hindi exam, despite being in the state’s primary language, exposed gaps in basic knowledge. Out of 32 participants, 16 failed. Eight scored in the “higher standard” bracket, while another eight barely made it into the “lower standard.”
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Passing Rules and Standards
According to the Punjab Departmental Examination Rules, 1965:
- Higher Standard: Requires two-thirds of the total marks.
- Lower Standard: Requires 50% marks.
- Pass with Credit: Awarded for securing three-fourths or more.
- Sub-assistant superintendents need at least 40% to pass.
- Superintendents must clear the “higher standard,” while deputies and assistants can pass in the “lower standard.”
Impact on Careers
Failing these exams can have serious consequences, including:
- Delayed promotions
- Postponed salary increments
- Non-confirmation of service
The previous exams in November 2024 also saw similarly poor results, particularly in Financial Rules, Punjab Jail Manual, and Hindi.
Official Response
DGP (Prisons) Alok Kumar Roy could not be reached despite repeated attempts. A jail officer, requesting anonymity, admitted, “It’s challenging to prepare for these exams while on duty, but we are given multiple opportunities to clear them.”
