Interpretation of general standards in cadre allocation policy

Under governing cadre allocation policies, a reserved category candidate is eligible for allotment against an unreserved insider vacancy only if selected strictly on general standards throughout the entire recruitment process. The expression general standards refers to meeting unreserved qualifying parameters at every individual phase, rather than merely securing higher total aggregate marks in the main examination and interview. Merely surpassing the general cut-off marks in subsequent stages does not neutralize or erase the concession availed during preliminary screening. Therefore, a candidate who relies on a relaxed qualifying mark in the preliminary examination cannot be categorized as a candidate selected on general standards for cadre allocation purposes. (Union of India v. G. Kiran & Ors. | 2026 INSC 15)