PSC exam scam: Senior officials to be questioned soon; irregularities found in 10 exams, recruitments

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Crime Branch has received multiple complaints regarding nearly 20 examinations and recruitment processes conducted by the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC). More than 100 candidates have approached the agency, with at least five complainants for each examination under scrutiny.

According to the complainants, serious irregularities were found in nearly half of the examinations and recruitments under investigation. To strengthen the probe, the Crime Branch has expanded its Special Investigation Team (SIT) from 10 to 20 members.

The Crime Branch has also decided to question senior PSC officials in connection with the alleged examination and recruitment irregularities. Investigators suspect the involvement of officials from the examination and evaluation wings. Officials had claimed that the failure to send one section of the descriptive answer scripts for evaluation was caused by a software error. In the 200-mark descriptive examination, answer scripts were supposed to be divided into four sections before being sent for evaluation. However, the section containing General Knowledge questions was allegedly not sent for assessment.

The Crime Branch said senior officials, including the Deputy Secretary, Joint Secretary and Under Secretary, were aware of the irregularity but failed to cancel either the rank list or the appointments. Investigators believe this amounts to a serious lapse. Officials in charge of the on-screen marking section will be questioned first.

Meanwhile, the Crime Branch dismissed reports claiming that it had directed the PSC to re-evaluate 10 questions that were either left unanswered or answered incorrectly by the candidate who secured the first rank in the Planning Board examination. The agency clarified that it had not asked the PSC to conduct a re-evaluation, revise the rank list or hold fresh interviews. It said the SIT is investigating only the alleged criminal offences related to the examination and recruitment process.

The Crime Branch added that decisions such as re-evaluation, cancellation of appointments and revision of rank lists fall under the jurisdiction of the PSC. It said the investigation will focus on gathering evidence and initiating legal action against those found responsible.