PSC gave answers instead of questions; guest lecturer faces action over lost MBA answer sheets

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A major mistake occurred during the PSC departmental promotion exam for the Survey Department. Instead of question papers, an answer sheet with both the questions and answers was distributed. This issue arose shortly after a separate incident where MBA students’ answer sheets were lost by Kerala University.

The exam was for promoting surveyors to the superintendent position and had over 200 participants across centres in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode. Once the mistake was realised, the answer sheets were taken back, and the exam was cancelled.

Lost MBA Answer Sheets

Separately, the answer sheets of 71 MBA students from Kerala University were lost. Pramod, a guest lecturer from the Poojappura Institute of Cooperative Management and a native of Palakkad, had been transporting them on his bike when they went missing.

PSC Lapse Explained

Experts who prepare exam questions give the PSC two envelopes—one for questions and one for the answer key—clearly labelled on the outside. For each exam, three sets of questions are prepared, and one is randomly selected. This is sent to the press by the security to be printed and sealed in envelopes.

The issue arose when the envelope marked as "questions" actually contained the answer key. The PSC explained that the person who prepared the questions had changed the labels on the envelopes, causing the confusion.

The departmental exam, normally held every six months, had already been delayed by two years, resulting in many people losing their promotions.

MBA Re-Exam Scheduled

Kerala University has scheduled a re-examination for the affected MBA students on April 7. Students who cannot attend on that date will get another opportunity. Results are expected within four days.

The university plans to take action against Pramod, who lost the answer sheets. Options being considered include recovering exam expenses from him, blacklisting him from exam duties, or recommending his dismissal to the college. The Vice-Chancellor, Dr Mohanan Kunnummel, has called an emergency meeting to discuss the issue.

The lost answer sheets were for the third semester’s "Project Finance" exam, affecting six colleges. Pramod lost the sheets on January 13 while travelling through Alathur on his bike. Although he went back to search, he could not find them. He has since informed the university and the police. The university also plans to file a complaint with the DGP.

Minister's Response

Higher Education Minister R. Bindu promised strict legal action in response to the loss of the MBA answer sheets. The results of the third and fourth semesters for the 2022–24 MBA batch have been delayed because of this issue.

Many students had taken jobs, including positions abroad, on the condition that they would submit their certificates once results were released. Unfortunately, they are now forced to rewrite the exam almost a year after completing the semester.

The Kerala Students Union (KSU) has filed a complaint with the governor demanding action.