PSC Vigilance Wing begins probe into controversial exam evaluation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) Vigilance Wing, officially known as the Vigilance and Internal Security Officer (VSO), has launched an investigation into the alleged lapses in the evaluation of a controversial PSC examination.

As part of the inquiry, SP Sini F. Dennis, who is leading the investigation, visited the PSC headquarters and met PSC Chairman M.R. Baiju. The probe is focused on the controversy surrounding the evaluation of the examination for the Chief Industry and Infrastructure Division post in the State Planning Board.

The investigating officer has sought all relevant documents from the PSC Chairman. These include the preliminary inquiry report prepared by the Examination Controller, along with supporting records. The officer has also requested details of the evaluation protocol and the technical process followed for the on-screen marking system. The investigation is expected to involve cyber experts in the coming days.

The PSC Chairman had earlier explained that a fault in the on-screen marking system prevented the evaluation of Questions 10 to 18 in all answer scripts. However, the preliminary inquiry conducted by Examination Controller Bini J. Abraham found that Question 9 had also not been evaluated in 177 answer scripts. Based on this finding, the investigation team believes the issue may not have been caused by a software error alone. The inquiry will also examine whether there was serious negligence on the part of the examination wing and the evaluators involved in the marking process.

The investigation team consists of SP Sini F. Dennis, a DySP, and an SI. An interim report is expected to be submitted within two weeks. Although allegations have also been raised regarding several other PSC examinations and interviews, those cases are not part of the current investigation.