UPSC releases final scrutiny and shortlisting details for Assistant Registrar (Advt. 07/2025). Check interview list, rejection status, and revised criteria for 2025.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Final Scrutiny/Shortlisting Details for the recruitment to 03 vacancies of Assistant Registrar in the Customs, Excise & Service Tax Appellate Tribunal, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance (Advertisement No. 07/2025). This crucial notification provides the updated list of candidates who have been provisionally shortlisted for the interview round and those whose applications have been rejected, following a re-examination of representations received from applicants.
Overview of the Notification
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Assistant Registrar |
| Advertisement No. | 07/2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 03 (UR-01, SC-01, EWS-01, including 01 PwBD reserved post) |
| Nature of Update | Final Scrutiny / Shortlisting Details (Interview List & Rejections) |
| Initial Upload Date | 28.11.2025 |
| Concerns Submission Window | Till 08.12.2025 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
What Changed in the Scrutiny Process
UPSC had initially uploaded the scrutiny and shortlisting details on 28.11.2025, providing candidates an opportunity to express concerns via e-mail until 08.12.2025. Following this, 15 representations were received and thoroughly examined. The Commission re-evaluated the online recruitment applications, particularly focusing on age, category, qualification, experience, and desirable qualification claims.
As a result of this re-examination, the shortlisting criteria and modalities were re-applied. Notably, 05 candidates have now been provisionally shortlisted for the interview. Furthermore, the rejection category for 03 candidates was changed from “Incomplete” to “LEQ (B) Category,” while the rejection of the remaining 07 candidates was upheld.
Reason for the Re-examination
The re-examination was initiated due to disparities observed against applicants who had categorized their experience as ‘Voluntary’ in their Online Recruitment Application (ORA) but had uploaded the necessary Experience Certificates. To ensure fairness and avoid such discrepancies, the Commission decided to re-examine these cases to shortlist all otherwise eligible candidates based on their Experience Certificates and other criteria.
Action Required from Candidates
- Shortlisted Candidates: If your Roll Number appears in the “To be called” list, you are advised to start preparing for the interview. Specific interview dates, timings, and venue will be communicated by UPSC separately. Keep a close watch on the official UPSC website for further announcements regarding the interview schedule and Admit Cards.
- Rejected Candidates: Candidates whose Roll Numbers appear in the rejection lists can review the reasons for rejection (LEQ-B, Incomplete, etc.). The notification explicitly states that no further correspondence on this matter will be entertained.
Detailed Scrutiny Modalities & Essential Criteria
Essential Qualification (EQ)
- (A) EDUCATIONAL: A Degree in Law from a recognized University or Institution.
- (B) EXPERIENCE: Three years of experience in Judicial or Legal work within the field of Customs, Excise & Service Tax matters.
Shortlisting Criteria Adopted
- EWS-01 vacancy: EQ (A) + EQ (B)
- PwBD-01 & SC-01 vacancies: EQ (A) + EQ (B) (with a relaxation of up to 1.5 years in experience)
Scrutiny Modalities (as per Commission)
The final scrutiny was based on the following modalities:
- Information provided in the online application form, supported by uploaded documents/certificates.
- Experience was weighted based on uploaded documents/certificates.
- Preference was given to experience certificates issued as per the Commission’s circular number F.8/84/2010-RC&P dated 23.12.2010. Other formats were considered on merit.
- Experience Certificates must be issued by a Govt Office/Private institution/Organization/Company related to legal work, not by individual private advocates. They must align with Form-III (Experience Certificate) and clearly state the required areas of experience as per Recruitment Rules.
- Only experience in Judicial or Legal work in Customs, Excise & Service Tax matters was counted for eligibility.
Reasons for Rejection Categories
- LEQ-A: Candidate not possessing essential educational qualification.
- LEQ-B: Candidate not possessing relevant experience.
- Incomplete: Not submitting required experience certificate, experience certificate not clearly specifying duties, experience not for the entire claimed duration, illegible documents, or not producing mark sheet/degree of essential educational qualifications.
- Experience as ‘Intern, Trainee, On Stipend, Voluntary, Part-time’ was not considered relevant.
- Appointment letter, office order, registration certificate, relieving order, or pay certificate were not considered relevant proof of experience.
Shortlisted Candidates for Interview (To be Called)
PS for 01 (One) PwBD vacancy
Criteria: EQ (A) + EQ (B) (Relaxed to 1.5 years)
Total applications under Zone of Consideration: 03
| Status | Roll Number(s) | Total |
|---|---|---|
| To be called | NIL | 0 |
PS for 01 (One) SC vacancy
Criteria: EQ (A) + EQ (B) (Relaxed to 1.5 years)
Total applications under Zone of Consideration: 88
| Status | Roll Number(s) | Total |
|---|---|---|
| To be called (*Shortlisted under relaxed standards) | 299, 304, 321, 322, 339, 364* | 06 |
PS for 01 (One) EWS vacancy
Criteria: EQ (A) + EQ (B)
Total applications under Zone of Consideration: 25
| Status | Roll Number(s) | Total |
|---|---|---|
| To be called | 253, 257, 260 | 03 |
Rejected Candidates
PS for 01 (One) PwBD vacancy
| Reason for Rejection | Roll Number(s) | Total |
|---|---|---|
| LEQ-B | 90 | 01 |
| INCOMPLETE | 06, 131 | 02 |
PS for 01 (One) SC vacancy
| Reason for Rejection | Roll Number(s) | Total |
|---|---|---|
| LEQ-B | 278, 279, 280, 281, 285, 287, 288, 290, 292, 293, 295, 296, 298, 306, 308, 311, 315, 317, 318, 323, 325, 326, 328, 329, 331, 332, 334, 340, 342, 344, 347, 351, 356, 357, 358, 362, 365 | 37 |
| INCOMPLETE | 282, 283, 284, 286, 289, 291, 294, 297, 300, 301, 302, 303, 305, 307, 309, 310, 312, 313, 314, 316, 319, 320, 324, 327, 330, 333, 335, 336, 337, 338, 341, 343, 345, 346, 348, 349, 350, 352, 353, 354, 355, 359, 360, 361, 363 | 45 |
PS for 01 (One) EWS vacancy
| Reason for Rejection | Roll Number(s) | Total |
|---|---|---|
| LEQ-B | 254, 255, 258, 259, 262, 263, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 275 | 12 |
| INCOMPLETE | 256, 261, 264, 265, 266, 272, 273, 274, 276, 277 | 10 |
How to Check Your Status
Candidates can check their detailed status, including the list of all applicants and their Roll Numbers, on the Commission’s official website by navigating through the following path:
Home >> Recruitment >> Status of Recruitment Cases (Advertisement-wise) >> Applicants’ Lists
Preparation Tips for Interview (AI-Enhanced)
For those candidates who have been provisionally shortlisted for the Assistant Registrar interview, focused preparation is key. Here are some tips:
- Thorough Knowledge of Law: Revise key legal concepts, recent amendments, and landmark judgments relevant to Customs, Excise, and Service Tax matters.
- Understanding the Tribunal’s Role: Familiarize yourself with the functions, jurisdiction, and recent activities of the Customs, Excise & Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT).
- Job Profile Awareness: Understand the duties and responsibilities of an Assistant Registrar in such a tribunal, including administrative, legal support, and record-keeping aspects.
- Case Study Practice: Be prepared to discuss hypothetical legal scenarios or your experience with specific types of cases.
- Communication Skills: Practice clear, concise, and confident communication. Mock interviews can be highly beneficial.
- Dress Code & Etiquette: Maintain professional attire and decorum during the interview.
Job Profile & Career Scope (AI-Enhanced)
An Assistant Registrar in a tribunal like CESTAT plays a crucial role in the judicial administration. The job typically involves:
- Assisting the Judges/Members of the Tribunal in legal and administrative matters.
- Managing case files, records, and ensuring proper documentation.
- Facilitating the smooth conduct of court proceedings.
- Handling correspondence and communication related to cases.
- Ensuring compliance with procedural rules and regulations.
Career progression for an Assistant Registrar typically involves opportunities to advance to higher administrative or judicial support roles within the tribunal system, depending on experience, performance, and further examinations or promotions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What does “LEQ (B)” mean as a reason for rejection?
A1: LEQ (B) stands for “Lower Essential Qualification (B)” in the context of experience. It means the candidate did not possess the relevant experience as specified in Essential Qualification (B) for the post of Assistant Registrar.
Q2: My application was rejected as “Incomplete”. What does this signify?
A2: An “Incomplete” rejection can be due to various reasons, including not submitting required experience certificates, certificates not clearly specifying duties, experience not covering the entire claimed duration, illegible uploaded documents, or not producing essential educational mark sheets/degrees.
Q3: What are the next steps for shortlisted candidates?
A3: Shortlisted candidates must await further communication from UPSC regarding the interview schedule, venue, and detailed instructions. This information will be published on the official UPSC website.
Q4: Can I appeal against my rejection?
A4: As per the notification, “No further correspondence on this would be entertained.” This implies that the rejection decisions are final and typically not open to further appeal.
Q5: Is there any provision for relaxation in age or experience for reserved categories?
A5: Yes, for the PwBD-01 and SC-01 vacancies, the criteria for shortlisting included EQ (A) + EQ (B) with a relaxation of up to 1.5 years in the experience requirement.
Q6: Where can I find the official lists mentioned in this notification?
A6: You can find the lists on the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) by navigating to Home >> Recruitment >> Status of Recruitment Cases (Advertisement-wise) >> Applicants’ Lists.