The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) has announced the recruitment drive for 1468 Gram Panchayat Adhikari (VDO) posts through Advertisement No. 01-Exam/2023. While the basic dates, vacancies, and core eligibility are crucial, the official notification contains many other vital details prospective applicants must understand.

This post delves into those essential aspects, covering the application process, selection method, modification rules, reservation specifics, and other critical instructions outlined in the official PDF.

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Selection Process: PET 2022 is Key

The selection process for the Gram Panchayat Adhikari Main Examination is based on a multi-stage approach:

  1. PET-2022 Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted for the Main Examination based solely on their normalized scores in the Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) 2022.
  2. Who is Eligible to Apply: Only candidates who appeared in PET-2022 and received a valid (non-zero, non-negative) score card are eligible to apply for this Main Examination.
  3. Shortlisting Criteria for Mains: UPSSSC will shortlist candidates for the Main exam category-wise. Approximately 15 times the number of vacancies will be shortlisted, considering all candidates scoring the same cut-off marks/percentile score (calculated up to 2 decimal places).
  4. Final Selection: Selection will be based on the performance in the Written Main Examination only, as per the UP Government’s rules (including the Uttar Pradesh Group ‘C’ posts Direct Recruitment Rules 2015, the two-tier examination system, and relevant Service Rules). Interviews have been discontinued for these posts.
  5. Normalization: If the main examination is conducted in multiple shifts or days due to a large number of candidates, the scores will be subject to the Normalization process.

How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step Guide

The application process is entirely online via the official UPSSSC website (upsssc.gov.in). Here’s a breakdown:

  1. Visit the Website: Go to the UPSSSC homepage and navigate to the ‘Live Advertisement’ segment.
  2. Find the Notification: Click on the relevant advertisement (01-Exam/2023) to view/download it.
  3. Applicant Authentication (Login): Use your PET-2022 Registration number to log in. You have two options:
    • Through Personal Details: Enter PET-2022 Registration No., Date of Birth, Gender, Domicile, and Category.
    • Through OTP: Enter PET-2022 Registration No. and the OTP sent to your registered mobile number/email.
  4. Fill Application Form:
    • Personal Details: Your details (Name, Father’s/Husband’s Name, Mother’s Name, UP Domicile info, Category, EWS, Horizontal Reservation, DOB, Gender, Contact details) will be auto-populated from your PET-2022 data.
    • Educational Qualifications: Fill in the details for mandatory qualifications (Intermediate, CCC). You need to select ‘Yes’/’No’ and provide Board/Institution Name, Year of Passing, Certificate/Roll No., Issue Date, and Marks details.
    • Verification Code: Enter the displayed code and click ‘Submit’. An 11-digit registration number will be generated. Print this application form preview.
  6. Photo and Signature: Your photo and signature uploaded during PET-2022 will be automatically displayed. No changes are allowed in this section. Click ‘Continue’.
  7. Other Details:
    • Preferential Qualifications: Indicate ‘Yes’/’No’ if you possess any preferential qualifications (Territorial Army service, NCC ‘B’ Cert, Rural background).
    • Address: Your permanent and correspondence addresses from PET-2022 will be displayed.
  9. Declaration: Carefully read the declaration. Tick the checkboxes to agree and enter the verification code. Click ‘Save & Proceed’.
  10. Preview & Fee Payment: Review your complete application form (Preview). If satisfied, click ‘Proceed to Payment of Fee & Final Submission’.
  11. Fee Payment: Pay the mandatory online processing fee (₹25 for all categories) using Credit Card, Debit Card, Internet Banking, or SBI e-Challan.
  12. Print Final Application: After successful fee payment and reconciliation (use ‘Update Your Transaction ID by Double Verification’ if needed), print the final submitted Application Form and the Payment Acknowledgement Receipt (PAR). Keep these safe for future reference (required during document verification).

Application Form Modification/Correction

Made a mistake? You can modify certain details after submitting the fee, but only until the correction deadline (19-06-2023).

  1. Login: Go to the Applicant Dashboard on the UPSSSC website using your PET-2022 registration details.
  2. Modify Application: Click the ‘Modify Application’ button next to the VDO advertisement.
  3. Verification: Enter the verification code. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile/email.
  4. Enter OTP: Submit the received OTP. Your filled application form will be displayed.
  5. Editable Fields: You can modify only the following:
    • Spelling errors in Name, Father’s/Husband’s Name.
    • Correspondence Address.
    • Other personal details like EWS, Horizontal Reservation category (DFF, Ex-SM, PH, Skilled Player).
    • Caste Category (General/SC/ST/OBC).
    • Gender.
    • Details entered for Mandatory/Preferential Qualifications.
  7. Important Note for PwD Candidates: As per GO dated 30-07-2021, PwD candidates must update their specific sub-category within the application form.
  8. Save Changes: After making corrections, enter the verification code and submit. Take a printout of the revised application.

No modifications are possible after 19-06-2023.

Reservation Details & Requirements

  • Reservation for SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories applies as per prevailing UP Government rules and the vacancies indicated by the department.
  • EWS: Candidates claiming EWS reservation need a certificate issued between 01-04-2023 and 12-06-2023, based on the financial year 2022-23 income, valid for FY 2023-24, in the prescribed format. Annual family income must be below ₹8 Lakhs, and other criteria mentioned in the GO dated 31-08-2020 must be met.
  • Dependents of Freedom Fighters (DFF) & Ex-Servicemen (Ex-SM): Reservation as per the UP Public Services Act, 1993 (as amended). Certificates must be in the prescribed format.
  • Persons with Disabilities (PwD): Reservation as per GO dated 30-07-2021. The identified sub-categories for the Gram Panchayat Adhikari post are:
    • LV (Low Vision / कम दृष्टि)
    • HH (Hard of Hearing / श्रवण शक्ति में ह्रास)
    • DW (Dwarfism / बौनापन)
    • OA (One Arm Affected / एक हाथ प्रभावित)
    • Candidates need a valid PwD certificate in the prescribed format clearly stating the type and percentage of disability.
  • Women: Reservation as per relevant GOs. For married women candidates from UP, the caste certificate issued from the father’s side is mandatory for claiming reservation benefits. Women’s reservation is subject to the final decision in Special Appeal (D) No. 475/2019 pending before the Hon’ble High Court.
  • Skilled Players: 2% reservation as per UP Government (Outstanding Sportspersons) Rules, 2022. Requires a certificate from the competent authority in the prescribed format.
  • Non-UP Residents: Candidates not originally residing in Uttar Pradesh will be treated as Unreserved (General) category.

Important Instructions for Candidates

  • Read Carefully: Thoroughly read the notification before applying. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria by the last date (12-06-2023).
  • Accuracy: Fill the application form with extreme care. Providing false or incorrect information can lead to cancellation of candidature and DEBARMENT from future UPSSSC exams.
  • Certificates: Keep all required original documents and certificates (Educational, Caste, Domicile, EWS, PwD, DFF, Ex-SM, Sports, NOC if applicable) ready. They must be in the prescribed format and issued by the competent authority. You will need to produce them during document verification.
  • Date of Birth: Only the DOB mentioned in the High School (Class 10) certificate/equivalent will be accepted.
  • Website Updates: Regularly check the official UPSSSC website (upsssc.gov.in) for all updates regarding the exam schedule, syllabus, admit cards, results, etc. The commission does not send personal communication.
  • NOC: Candidates currently employed in Central/State Government must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer, to be produced when asked by the Commission.
  • Provisional Admission: Admission to the exam is provisional. If found ineligible at any stage, candidature will be cancelled.
  • Malpractice: Any attempt at cheating, indiscipline, misbehavior, or using unfair means will lead to cancellation and debarment.
  • Multiple Applications: If multiple applications are submitted, only the last successfully submitted application will be considered valid.
  • Helpline: For technical difficulties during online application, contact 0522-2720814 or use the help section on the website.