Kerala PSC exam scam: SIT suspects larger conspiracy behind irregularities

File photo of protesters outside the PSC headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) probe has gathered evidence of an alleged conspiracy to rig the recruitment process.

The investigators intensified the probe after registering the first case in connection with the irregularities found in the evaluation of the background check for the post of Chief (Industry and Infrastructure) in the Kerala State Planning Board. The case was registered after detailed searches at PSC headquarters, including forensic examination of computers and official records.

According to the SIT’s findings, the alleged misconduct was not an isolated one but an organized attempt to manipulate the rank list. It is suspected that the evaluation process was deliberately altered to ensure that the preferred candidate got the first rank in the examination.

The probe reportedly found that 54-point answers left unanswered by the eventual top-ranked candidate were excluded from the evaluation process. Investigators believe that if all the questions were evaluated using the standard procedure, the candidate would not have even qualified for the shortlist.

Omission of these questions resulted in several other candidates losing nearly 50 marks each, thereby significantly affecting their final ranking. Investigators found that the would-be first rounder actually scored 53 points less than the candidate who should have topped the list.

Based on these findings, the SIT suspects that the irregularities may have been part of a wider conspiracy involving senior officials and possible outside influence to ensure the appointment of a favored candidate.

Investigators are examining whether public officials abused their powers and whether political or other external interference played a role in the alleged manipulation.

The SIT is set to seek the government’s approval to prosecute at least two senior PSC officials as a sanction is required before indicting civil servants under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The FIR currently lists “KPSC Officials” as the accused.

In addition to allegations of corruption, investigators are also looking into other crimes including criminal breach of trust and abuse of official position. The officials concerned are expected to be questioned in the coming days.

Published – 30 July 2026 11:00 AM IST