Agartala, August 14, 2025: The Tripura Public Service Commission’s (TPSC) latest recommendation list for General Duty Medical Officers (GDMOs) has triggered sharp public debate over the quality of medical professionals entering government service.

The list, featuring 216 names, was shared by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on social media, along with a congratulatory message: “Heartfelt congratulations to all the newly recommended GDMO candidates. Wishing you great success as you embark on this noble journey, serving humanity with dedication & compassion. Your commitment to healthcare will make a difference.”

However, scrutiny of the final page of the notification has raised eyebrows. The last candidate selected scored just 14.05 out of 100 marks, with all candidates from serial numbers 191 to 216 scoring below 30 — a figure widely seen as the minimum pass benchmark in most competitive exams.

The revelation quickly went viral, sparking criticism of the recruitment process. Senior journalist Manas Paul voiced strong concerns on social media: “The government can’t play with citizens’ lives. Doctors who can’t score more than 14, 19 or 20 out of 100 in TPSC exams are a serious risk in the health service… I cannot risk my wife’s or daughter’s life to these students… Nor do you.”

Several users also questioned why the cut-off for an entry-level doctor’s post appeared lower than for teaching positions, Group C, or even Group D jobs, which often involve stricter qualifying criteria.

The controversy has brought recruitment standards and medical education quality in Tripura under fresh scrutiny. As of now, the state government has not issued any official clarification on the matter.