PSC denies irregularities in 15 exams; Crime Branch expands probe into six years of complaints

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) has denied allegations of irregularities in 15 examinations, saying no malpractice had occurred and accusing some parties of deliberately attempting to tarnish its reputation. The commission said it was fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

Explaining the answer key for the Research Officer examination in the Department of Economics and Statistics, the PSC said a higher number of "B" answers appeared because subject experts prepare questions independently and confidentially without knowing one another's work.
The commission also rejected allegations regarding interview marks awarded in the Planning Board Chief (Social Service) examination. It said the interview marks were awarded strictly in accordance with the prescribed rules and noted that the tribunal's ruling upholding the process had subsequently been affirmed by both the Kerala High Court and the Supreme Court of India.

Meanwhile, the Crime Branch has decided to investigate alleged examination and recruitment irregularities in the PSC over the past six years.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by IG Ajeetha Begum has received more than 100 complaints, of which around 50 are considered to have merit. The investigation team has been expanded, and senior PSC officials are expected to be questioned soon in connection with the alleged irregularities in the Planning Board examination and recruitment process.