According to rules, no matter what the qualifications are, if one is unable to score at least 18 marks out of the total 45 in Paper One of the regional-level selection test, one will not qualify for the post of headmaster. Besides English, candidates also have to tackle questions related to education laws, panchayat and civic laws and the Constitution.

Though the School Service Commission was officially unwilling to admit it, the candidates had a tough time tackling English grammar and composition, said some of the examinees. SSC chief Ranajit Bose, however, said: "It is tough to attempt questions related to the nitty-gritty of acts and rules. English has not been so bad this year."

For a total of 719 vacancies, the SSC was supposed to shortlist 1,438 candidates after the written exam. However, it has called only 1,103 candidates for the interview.