Kerala PSC exam irregularities: SIT records statements of complainants, decides criminal cases after investigating complaints

Youth Congress workers clash with police as they march to the Kerala Public Service Commission office protesting alleged irregularities in appointments during the tenure of the previous LDF government in Thiruvananthapuram on July 6, 2026. | Photo credit: NIRMAL HARINDRAN

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the state government to probe alleged irregularities in the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) probe is set to intensify its investigation by recording detailed statements of the complainants.

An investigation by the crime branch is expected to determine which allegations warrant criminal cases, with the team receiving more than 10 complaints so far. Decisions on registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) will follow an initial assessment of evidence, official sources said.

The investigation comes amid mounting allegations of examination malpractice, procedural breaches and irregularities suspected to have affected multiple PSC examinations.

Emerging complaints from candidates citing irregularities in examinations, evaluation procedures and rank lists prompted the government to launch a comprehensive investigation through an SIT headed by S. Ajeetha Begum, Inspector General of Police, Economic Offenses Branch.

According to SIT officials, it has already started collecting preliminary information from several complainants. The candidates are said to have submitted documents and other materials they say substantiate allegations of widespread irregularities.

Detailed background check

The SIT will immediately focus on identifying complaints that reveal prima facie evidence of wrongdoing. Officials said a case would be registered only after a detailed investigation of the complaints.

As part of the investigation, the crime branch is also expected to seek official records related to the exams from the PSC. The exams likely to come under close scrutiny are those administered to the State Planning Board. Investigators will collect procedural records, documents related to the investigation and other relevant files.

The PSC will also be formally ordered to preserve all records related to the investigation and to refrain from destroying any documents that may be relevant to the investigation. The SIT could also record the statements of PSC officials who are associated with the conduct of examinations.

The Crime Squad aims to submit a preliminary investigation report to the state police chief by the end of the month. The Ministry of the Interior will then decide on the further course of action in the cases.

Published – 12 Jul 2026 17:37 IST