Studying Computer Science within another degree does not satisfy a prescribed Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science.

The applicant applied for the post of Data Processing Assistant Grade-A pursuant to Advertisement No. Phase-IX/2021.

After qualifying in the written examination, he was shortlisted for document verification.

His candidature was subsequently rejected by order dated 11.12.2023 on the ground that he possessed a degree of B.Sc. (Physical Science), which did not correspond to the prescribed qualification.

The applicant contended that he had studied Physics, Computer Science and Mathematics as main subjects throughout his graduation and relied on a certificate issued by his college.

He also relied upon the Tribunal’s earlier decision in O.A. No. 2421/2018 and batch.

The respondents submitted that the applicant did not possess the specific degree prescribed under the Recruitment Rules, that the User Department had scrutinised his qualification, and that the Staff Selection Commission could neither relax nor alter the prescribed eligibility requirements.

Whether a candidate holding a B.Sc. (Physical Science) degree, with Computer Science studied as one of the main subjects, possesses the essential qualification of a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Applications, Information Technology, or Computer Science for appointment as Data Processing Assistant Grade-A.

Whether the rejection of the applicant’s candidature on the ground that his degree did not satisfy the prescribed qualification was illegal or arbitrary.

Whether the college certificate recording the subjects studied by the applicant, or the existence of unfilled vacancies, could justify treating his degree as equivalent to the prescribed qualification.

The essential qualification under the applicable Recruitment Rules was a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Applications, Information Technology, or Computer Science from a recognised University or Institute.

Eligibility must be determined by the qualification expressly prescribed in the Recruitment Rules and not merely by the subjects studied during another degree course.

The User Department, having framed the Recruitment Rules in view of the nature and requirements of the post, was entitled to assess whether the applicant possessed the prescribed qualification; the Staff Selection Commission, as the recruiting agency, could not independently relax, modify, or enlarge that qualification.

The Tribunal distinguished its decision in O.A. No. 2421/2018 and batch because that case involved a specific departmental clarification regarding equivalence, which was absent here.

The Tribunal held that the applicant admittedly possessed a B.Sc. (Physical Science) degree and did not dispute its nomenclature.

Although Computer Science was studied as one of the main subjects, that fact did not convert the degree into a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or any of the other degrees expressly contemplated by the Recruitment Rules.

The college certificate merely identified the subjects studied and did not certify that the degree was equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science.

Nor did the applicant place on record any competent determination recognising such equivalence.

The Tribunal further found that the availability of vacancies could not dispense with the mandatory educational qualification.

Since the User Department had rejected the candidature after scrutinising the applicant’s documents and no illegality or arbitrariness was established, the rejection was found to be consistent with the Recruitment Rules.

The rejection of the applicant’s candidature was neither illegal nor arbitrary.

The Original Application was accordingly dismissed, all pending M.A.s were disposed of, and no order as to costs was made.