LDC question paper on official site the day before exam; issues in Kottayam and Kozhikode exams too; PSC blaming Google

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It has come to light that the question paper of the LD Clerk exam held on September 28 for Kottayam and Kozhikode districts was published on the PSC website the previous day itself. The information that the question paper was out on the 27th is still available on Google. The provisional answer key appears to have been uploaded on the day of the exam.

However, PSC is trying to get away by blaming Google for the incident where the question paper appeared on the site the previous day. The explanation is that the change in the time stamp was Google's fault. PSC has also raised doubts about whether there has been any lapse on the part of its technical department. This will also be discussed in the commission meeting to be held today.

According to the explanatory note issued yesterday, the technical wing of the commission conducted an inspection immediately after the Kerala Kaumudi report titled 'PSC question paper leaked? question paper for LD Clerk exam for Ernakulam, Malappuram districts surfaces on website a day before exam". The explanation is that Google has been informed of the change in the time stamp. However, there was no change in Google results yesterday as well. Yesterday's Google search result showed that the posted date was two days ago. Kerala Kaumudi had released a screenshot of the question paper of the exam conducted on Saturday for Wayanad and Ernakulam districts.

Google has no accuracy: PSC

In a press release, the PSC said that the question paper and the provisional answer key for the clerk examination for Wayanad and Ernakulam districts were published on the official website after completing the exam procedures. The technical department conducted an inspection regarding the fact that the time at which the question paper was published in a Google search was found to be incorrect. Google has clarified that Google's time stamp can be inaccurate and there could be a change in the date of publication. The note also said that PSC will look into taking legal action against it as it is serious that the shocking news was given without investigating the facts.

Questions to be answered

1. If there was a change in the time stamp in Google search earlier as well, why were the candidates not informed about it?
2. The PSC claimed that the question paper and the answer key were uploaded on the same day. Then why does only the question paper show the date of the previous day?
3. Why was it that when the reporter informed the concerned people in the PSC along with a screenshot of the incident as soon as it came to his notice, it was not explained that it was a problem in the timestamp?

"The difference in the time stamp is only in cases of technical issues, mistakes of uploaders and hacking of the site. If it is a problem mentioned, google should have solved it by now. The PSC has the responsibility to get it done. Google will not solve the second problem. The third problem is complicated. It hasn't happened.

- Adv. Reji Vasanth VJ

Managing Director

Mibis Cyber Forensic Lab