Arunachal CM inaugurates new APPSC headquarters amid reform push

Chief Minister Pema Khandu on August 29 inaugurated the new Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) building, constructed at a cost of Rs 40 crore, in the presence of APPSC Chairman Pradip Lingfa, Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso, Mayor Tamme Phassang, and MP Tapir Gao.

 

The six-storey structure houses 18 examination halls with a capacity to seat more than 1,600 candidates at a time. It also includes lifts, a cafeteria, parking facilities, and interview cabins equipped with modern technology. Officials said the facility was designed to meet national standards for competitive examinations.

 

Addressing the gathering, Khandu said, “I congratulate the aspirants, students, public and younger generation who are preparing for competitive examinations for this new modern building. More than 1,600 students can sit for an examination at once in these 18 examination halls. Viva and live interview cabins with the latest technology have also been created as per standards.”

 

He also acknowledged past controversies, noting that the Commission had to rebuild public trust. “Our new team of members and Secretary, including the Chairman since two years, has to gain the confidence of the people and promote transparency and accountability due to previous loopholes and paper leakage scams,” Khandu added.

 

The remarks referred to the 2022 APPSC paper leak scam, which triggered statewide protests, legal proceedings, and a series of reforms. The Commission has since introduced measures such as anonymous code numbers for candidates during interviews.

 

Despite these steps, activists have raised fresh concerns. In 2025, the Arunachal Against Corruption Forum (AFTF) alleged violations of the APPSC’s own examination manual. The Commission was forced to issue a clarification in August after a social media post claimed irregularities linked to two candidates with identical names. Officials confirmed the candidates were different individuals and insisted the system remained transparent.