Candidates allege paper leak, Karnataka Public Service Commission says logistical issue

Bengaluru: Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) has come under radar following speculations that the question paper of Gazetted Probationers Mains test was leaked at a centre in the city before the commencement of the exam. However, KPSC Tuesday spiked the allegation and attributed it to a logistical goof-up.Drama unfolded at the BBMP Composite PU College exam centre in Kasturba Nagar when some candidates alleged that the question paper bundle was already unsealed before being presented for signatures, violating protocol. The candidates alleged that they were intimidated and silenced by exam officials when they raised concerns. The candidates threatened to boycott the exam, but subsequently wrote the exam following the principal's intervention. But the issue snowballed into political controversy with opposition party members slamming the govt for failing to rein in KSPC. Describing KPSC as a body notorious for corruption and mismanagement, BJP state president BY Vijayendra asked: "Why can't they conduct a single exam without creating a controversy. Even with KAS Mains exam, first there were complaints pertaining to errors in translation. Now, about question paper leakage. The govt should order an inquiry before public trust in the system erodes." Manjunath Kavadkar, a KPSC aspirant, said: "The KPSC's conduct is becoming laughable. They're going to such lengths just to cover up mistakes. Giving such careless responses only damages the commission's credibility. I never expected such statements from KPSC."Opposition leader R Ashoka said: "Lakhs of candidates are losing faith in a system meant to reward merit." Meanwhile, KPSC tried to get into the damage-control mode by ruling out question paper leakage. The commission clarified that it employs multiple layers of security to maintain the confidentiality of question papers, including sealed boxes, metal trunks, and tamper-evident covers. "For added protection, plastic waterproof covers are used to safeguard against physical damage during transit — these, however, are not tamper-evident covers. The seals on the boxes and tamper-evident covers at the exam sub-centre were intact, a fact confirmed by candidates, supervisors, and observers. The only anomaly noted was that the number of question-cum-answer booklets sent to this particular sub-centre was nearly double the usual quantity, possibly due to logistical precautions," the commission stated, asserting that the damage likely occurred mechanically during transit or packing. It also pointed out that no similar complaints were reported from other centres.Union minister Pralhad Joshi echoed the anger in a post on X, terming the KPSC's explanation "vague and insulting." "If the authorities cannot conduct a fair and transparent exam, they must step down. The future of our youth is not a game," he wrote.