Whenever government jobs or competitive exams are involved, the right to equality becomes very real for candidates. It doesn’t guarantee that everyone will get a job, but it does guarantee that the rules will be fair and applied equally.
First, the government must publish clear eligibility criteria — age, qualifications, reservations, experience. These rules should not be arbitrary or impossible to meet. Second, selection should follow the advertised rules. Changing criteria mid-way, adding hidden conditions, or favouring particular candidates without legal basis can be challenged as violations of equality.
Merit lists, cut-offs and interview marks must follow a transparent, rational pattern. Discrimination on grounds like caste, religion, gender or personal connections without lawful justification is not permitted. Reservation policies must also fit within the constitutional framework and relevant laws.
If something seems obviously unfair — for example, arbitrary cancellations, biased interviews, or sudden policy changes — candidates can usually seek legal remedies through representations, tribunals, or even writ petitions. Courts don’t run recruitment themselves, but they do insist that the process stays within the bounds of equality and fairness.