V. CHITAMBARESH, J.

1. The method of appointment to the post of Agricultural Officer Grade-II in the Department of Agriculture of the State is by direct recruitment and appointment by transfer in the ratio of 85% :15%. 13% out of the said 15% is reserved for those who have cleared VHSE in Agriculture and 2% for those who have a Degree in B.Sc. (Agriculture) from among the Agricultural Assistants in service. The candidates should have 10 years' service as Agricultural Assistant for appointment to the 13% posts and 3 years' service as Agricultural Assistant for appointment to the 2% posts. The candidates should also pass a suitability test conducted by the Kerala Public Service Commission ('the PSC' for short) the propriety of which falls for consideration in this bunch of cases.

2. The notification published in the Gazette dated 12.8.2011 by the PSC inviting applications from qualified Agricultural Assistants for the suitability test inter alia contained the following clause:

“Answer shall be written either in English or in Malayalam [G.O.(Ms)No.141/2001/Agri dated 22.5.2001].”

But the instructions issued to the candidates in the hall ticket preparatory to the test as well as