Distinction between screening preliminary tests and composite examinations

The principle prohibiting migration at intermediate testing stages applies exclusively to limited preliminary screening examinations whose marks are statutorily excluded from determining final order of merit, and has no application to comprehensive multi-tier examinations where substantive written marks carry determinative weight. Where a written examination constitutes an integral and substantive component of the selection process—comprising a dominant portion of the cumulative final assessment—arranging candidates in descending order of merit for open slots at that threshold is purely merit-based and does not constitute premature category migration. Because no concession is availed to achieve such placement, treating high-scoring reserved candidates as general competitors throughout such multi-stage suitability testing conforms entirely with fair competition principles. (Airport Authority of India & Ors. Vs Sham Krishna B & Ors. | 2026 INSC 69)