Thiruvananthapuram: The rank list for the post of Chief (Industry & Infrastructure Division) in the Kerala State Planning Board is expected to undergo considerable changes after marks are awarded for 10 questions that were left unevaluated in the examination.

As there is only one vacancy, only the candidate securing the first rank is eligible for appointment. If the marks awarded for the 10 answers alter the top position in the rank list, the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) may have to revoke the appointment recommendation it had already issued.

The candidate currently holding the first rank, Arun J. Prathap, joined the post a year ago. Under the rules, the PSC has the authority to cancel an appointment recommendation only within one year of issuing it. If that period has elapsed, the Commission can only recommend to the state government that action be taken against the officer concerned.

The development is likely to prolong the appointment process through further legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, V.S. Jayalal, who is ranked fifth, has approached the Administrative Tribunal challenging the appointment, alleging that the selection was made without a complete evaluation of all the answers.

In an interim order, the Tribunal directed that the 10 unevaluated answers be assessed and that the petitioner be awarded any marks to which he is entitled.