KPSC announces sweeping reforms to bring transparency to exams and recruitment
KPSC has announced reforms including ending document verification, uploading OMR sheets and answer keys, and a faster KAS recruitment cycle.
The Karnataka State Public Service Commission (KPSC) has announced a set of reforms aimed at making its examinations and recruitment processes more transparent, even as the Karnataka High Court has ordered a court-monitored investigation into alleged irregularities in its recruitment processes.
According to K. Jyothi, secretary of the commission, the reforms will apply to all recruitment notifications already issued as well as those to be issued in the future.
Most KPSC examinations are OMR-based and typically involve a preliminary examination, a main examination and a viva. The changes follow allegations of irregularities in these processes, which have prompted inquiries by multiple investigative agencies.
Document verification discontinued
The commission has decided to discontinue the existing document verification stage, which previously consumed considerable time. Under the new arrangement, candidates must attach all necessary documents while applying, and no fresh attachments will be accepted after submission. Documents will be sent to the respective issuing departments for verification at the time of issuing appointment orders, and verification may be conducted only when necessary. The commission expects this to save the three to four months usually spent on the process.
OMR sheets and answer keys to be published
OMR sheets will be scanned and uploaded to the website on the day an examination concludes, allowing public access and addressing allegations of tampering. The scanning will be carried out under the supervision of Deputy Commissioners. Answer keys will also be published immediately after the OMR sheets are uploaded.
To prevent manipulation, a fifth option will be added to the existing four circles on the OMR sheet. Candidates who do not know an answer must shade this fifth circle, leaving no scope for it to be filled in later. The Karnataka Examinations Authority has already introduced the fifth option.
Faster KAS cycle and district-level oversight
The Gazetted Probationary (KAS) examination and recruitment process is to be completed within 11 months. A three-member committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner will be formed at the district level to oversee the transportation of question papers, implement a facial recognition system at examination centres, and raise awareness among candidates about the new measures.