JUDGMENT :

DEVASHIS BARUAH, J.

1. Heard Mr. D.K. Das, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioners and Mr. T.C. Chutia, the learned Government Advocate appearing on behalf of the respondent Nos. 1 and 3. I have also heard Ms. M.M. Kotoki, the learned Standing counsel appearing on behalf of the respondent No. 2 and Mr. T.J. Mahanta, the learned Senior counsel assisted by Mr. P.P. Dutta, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of respondent Nos. 4, 5 and 6.

2. The three writ petitions are taken up for disposal together as the facts involved are similar and the questions raised are in pari materia.

3. The facts involved in the instant three writ petitions are that the Assam Public Service Commission (hereinafter referred to as “the APSC”) issued an advertisement bearing ADVT No. 1/2018 and No. 132PSC/DR-5/1/2017-2018 dated 17.02.2018 inviting applications from eligible candidates for 113 Class-II Gazetted (Junior) post of Veterinary Officer/Block Development Veterinary Officer under the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department Assam as well as for various other posts under different departments. The petitioners in the 3 (three) writ petitions claims to be degree holders in