Exam irregularities: Kerala PSC chairman, members reject summons of crime branch, seek questioning at Commission headquarters

Kerala Public Service Commission headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram

The chairman and members of the Public Service Commission of Kerala (PSC) have decided not to appear for questioning at the crime branch headquarters in connection with the ongoing probe into alleged irregularities in various recruitment examinations.

The probe into irregularities in the inspections conducted on senior posts in the Kerala State Planning Board has entered a crucial phase as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) seeks to question PSC functionaries. Notices have been issued to PSC members in this regard. Investigators were expected to first interview members before subpoenaing the chairman.

However, the PSC members reportedly rejected the notices citing the rules and protocol governing the constitutional body. Instead, they argued, investigators could question members or record their statements at PSC headquarters. The commission will formally communicate its opinion to the state government.

Action department

Meanwhile, the SIT has recommended the department’s action against two PSC officials for procedural violations in the conduct of examinations. Action was sought against the Additional Secretary and the former Deputy Secretary who were associated with the Probation Section.

The probe revealed serious flaws in the evaluation process. It was found that 10 questions carrying a total of 58 marks remained unscored, paving the way for undeserving candidates to secure top positions in the respective examinations.

While the ongoing probe has expanded beyond the administrative delay to probe whether there was any larger conspiracy to deliberately tamper with the recruitment process, the crime branch is also likely to recommend the removal of candidates who were eventually appointed to top posts in the Kerala State Planning Board.

Published – 11 Sep 2026 20:35 IST