Category-change representations require reasoned consideration, but reclassification is not guaranteed.

UPSC advertised vacancies for Assistant Public Prosecutor in the Directorate of Prosecution, Government of NCT of Delhi, including EWS vacancies.

The applicant applied in the Unreserved category.

She stated that she later obtained an EWS certificate before the application deadline of 2 October 2026, but could not edit or refile her application to claim EWS status.

She had submitted a representation to UPSC dated 30 September 2026 and sought, among other reliefs, consideration of her candidature in the EWS category.

The Tribunal disposed of the original application by directing UPSC to consider and decide that representation.

1. Whether UPSC should be directed to consider and decide the applicant’s representation seeking a change of category from Unreserved to EWS

2. Whether the Tribunal should itself direct that the applicant be permitted to submit an online or offline application for the category change

The application was brought under Section 19 of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, which provides for an application to the Tribunal concerning a service matter.

The order cites no statutory provision, recruitment rule, precedent, or substantive legal test governing a change of category in the selection process.

It directs UPSC to decide the applicant’s representation in accordance with law, by a reasoned and speaking order.

The Tribunal did not determine whether the applicant was entitled to EWS consideration or whether UPSC’s application system unlawfully prevented a category change.

Instead, given the representation dated 30 September 2026 and the grievance raised, it directed UPSC to consider the matter holistically and decide the representation in accordance with law.

It left open the possibility of permitting an online or offline category-change application if UPSC deemed that appropriate, noting that no separate window had been prescribed for that purpose.

UPSC was directed to consider the grievance holistically and, if deemed appropriate, permit an online or offline application for change of category.

The Tribunal did not itself grant EWS status or direct that the applicant be considered in that category.

Pending miscellaneous applications were also disposed of; there was no order as to costs.