KPSC comes up with reforms to ensure transparency in future exams

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Most examinations conducted by the KPSC are OMR-based.  | Photo Credit: File photo

Even as the Karnataka High Court has ordered a court-monitored investigation into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment processes of the Karnataka State Public Service Commission (KPSC), the commission has decided to implement reforms to ensure transparency in the examinations to be conducted in future.

Key reforms to be implemented by the KPSC include discontinuing the document verification stage, uploading the Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets exams to the website for public access, disclosing candidates’ marks along with their registration numbers, names, and categories, and completing the Gazetted Probationary (KAS) examination and recruitment process within 11 months.

“These reforms will be applicable to all recruitment notifications already issued as well as those to be issued in the future,” said K. Jyothi, secretary, KPSC.

Most examinations conducted by the KPSC are OMR-based. The process typically involves a preliminary examination, followed by a main examination and viva. However, following allegations of irregularities in these exams and recruitment processes, various investigative agencies have launched inquiries. In light of this, the KPSC has decided to reform its examination and recruitment systems.

The KPSC has also decided to discontinue the document verification process as it exists now, a step that previously consumed a significant amount of time.

“Document verification may be conducted only when necessary. Candidates are required to attach all necessary documents when applying for posts. Once an application is submitted, no new attachments are accepted. At the time of issuing appointment orders, the documents submitted with the application are sent to the respective issuing departments for verification. This measure will save the 3 to 4 months typically spent on document verification,” Ms. Jyothi stated.

The KPSC has also approved a proposal to scan and upload candidates’ OMR sheets to the website on the very day the examination concludes. This move ensures open access for everyone to view the OMR sheets and addresses allegations regarding the tampering of OMR sheets. The scanning process is to be initiated under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioners.

Allegations had surfaced that candidates were getting selected by leaving the circles meant for the correct answers blank and having them filled in later by intermediaries. To prevent this, a decision was made to include a fifth option (circle) along with the existing four on the OMR sheet. If a candidate does not know the answer, it is now mandatory for them to shade this fifth circle, leaving no room for tampering later.

“The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has already introduced a fifth option on OMR sheets,” Ms. Jyothi said.

It has also been decided to publish the correct answers (answer keys) on the website immediately after the OMR sheets are uploaded. A three-member committee will be formed at the district-level, headed by the Deputy Commissioner, to oversee the transportation of question papers, implement a facial recognition system at examination centres, and raise awareness among candidates regarding these measures.

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