Temporal operation of the reservation roster post-selection

The application of the reservation register or roster becomes relevant only after the selection process has concluded and candidates are absorbed into the cadre on the organizational payroll. The roster cannot be applied prematurely during the process of evaluating examinations or preparing competitive rank lists to alter the natural descending order of merit. The selection panel must first prepare the unreserved merit list strictly in order of general performance, incorporating all top-scoring candidates without regard to their reserved status, provided they did not avail relaxations, before proceeding to draw up lists for specific reserved categories to fill the balance of the advertised quota. The roster merely documents cadre occupancy following recruitment and cannot be brandished by unsuccessful general candidates to compel authorities to isolate unreserved vacancies from reserved category competition. (Airport Authority of India & Ors. Vs Sham Krishna B & Ors. | 2026 INSC 69)