Topped exam yet may miss out on jobs:Minor error in application forms leaves teachers appealing to govt for correction opportunity

‘My father has passed away, my mother works as a labourer, and I earn just ₹3,000 a month teaching in a private school. We hoped this job would improve our financial condition, but one small mistake has put my future at risk.’ These are the words of Ramgopal Palia, a resident of Pichhore, who secured third rank in the state in the Primary Teacher Recruitment Examination 2025. Ramgopal, who is disabled, teaches in a private school. Despite securing third position in the SC disabled category merit list, he now faces possible exclusion from the recruitment process due to an error in his application form. Error that affected thousands The issue stems from candidates selecting the “Special D.Ed” option while filling out the form, despite holding only a General D.Ed qualification. This mistake was not limited to Ramgopal. More than 10,000 candidates reportedly made the same error. Of these, around 1,000 candidates made it to the merit list and received an additional 5% bonus marks. However, during document verification, their selection may be cancelled as they do not possess the required Special D.El.Ed qualification. Difference between General and Special D.Ed The recruitment included provisions for appointing teachers to educate children with disabilities. Details regarding RCI Special Education were mentioned in column 7.7 of the notification. To teach children with disabilities, candidates must hold a Special D.Ed certificate issued by the Rehabilitation Council of India under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. In simple terms, a General D.Ed qualifies candidates to teach regular students, whereas a Special D.Ed is specifically designed for teaching children with disabilities. Risk of disqualification Many candidates lacked clarity about the Special D.Ed requirement. While completing the form, they mistakenly selected the option, even though they only had a general diploma. As a result, they received bonus marks in the results. Now, after qualifying in the merit list, they risk being declared ineligible during verification due to the absence of the required qualification. Candidates cite confusion Jyoti Patel, who travelled from Satna to Bhopal, said she was selected in the Class-3 examination but mistakenly selected the Special D.Ed option. She explained that the form did not clearly distinguish between general and special diplomas, creating confusion. A former guest teacher, Jyoti left her job after childbirth and has now approached authorities with her young child, seeking another opportunity to correct the mistake. Correction opportunities were provided Column 7.8 of the notification clearly stated that incorrect information related to bonus marks could lead to cancellation of candidature at any stage. It also specified that responsibility lies entirely with the candidate and no claims would be entertained later. The selection board had provided two opportunities during the process to correct such errors. Portal reopened after court intervention Several candidates approached the High Court seeking reopening of the correction window. Following court directions, the selection board allowed the portal to be reopened. However, it clarified that only corrections made within the stipulated time would be considered valid, and further recruitment would proceed accordingly. Lack of awareness in rural areas Vidya Prajapati from Shajapur, who secured 20th rank in the OBC category, said she was unaware of the correction opportunities. Currently working as a guest teacher, she comes from a financially weak background, with her father working as a labourer. She stated that confusion over the “equivalent” option in the form and lack of communication prevented her from making corrections. What lies ahead ? On 16 March, candidates from districts including Gwalior, Sehore, Shivpuri, Satna, Shajapur, Tikamgarh and Indore reached Bhopal to submit representations to Education Minister Uday Pratap Singh. Applications had earlier been submitted to the Directorate of Public Instruction and the Employee Selection Board. So far, no official response has been issued regarding a further correction opportunity. As per the notification, post-result corrections fall under the Selection Board’s jurisdiction, which has already stated that no further claims will be accepted.