Viva voce tests begin for vedic staff recruitment in Andhra Pradesh - The HinduPublished - June 08, 2026 07:01 pm IST - VIJAYAWADA:The viva voce (moukhika pareeksha) for the recruitment of Veda Parayanadars (Vedic reciters) commenced on Monday as part of a drive to fill vacant religious posts in major temples across the State.Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department Commissioner K. Ramachandra Mohan said that more than 5,000 candidates have applied for 342 religious posts. Oral examinations are underway at the Madapati Guest House in Vijayawada for candidates belonging to multi-zone I—(Srikakulam to Krishna district). To ensure impartiality, the exams are being conducted by scholars from other zones and monitored by two Deputy Commissioners from outside the zone.The oral exams for candidates from multi-zone II (Guntur to Rayalaseema district) is being held at Seethanagaram. The interview process will continue till June 16.Mr. Ramachandra said that the entire examination process is being video recorded live to maintain complete transparency and fairness. The merit lists will be prepared based on educational qualifications, vedic qualifications, work experience, and performance in the oral examinations. Three interview boards have been constituted to ensure unbiased selection process. Candidates will not know in advance which board will assess them.The Commissioner stated that after completing the recruitment process for veda parayanadars, in phases the department will proceed to fill other vacant religious posts, including archakas (priests), paricharakas, bhajantris, temple cooks, and other temple service positions.Published - June 08, 2026 07:01 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }