KPSC comes up with reforms to ensure transparency in future exams

Most of the examinations conducted by KPSC are based on OMR. | Photo credit: File photo

Even as the Karnataka High Court ordered a court-monitored probe into alleged irregularities in the Karnataka State Public Service Commission’s (KPSC) recruitment processes, the commission has decided to introduce reforms to ensure transparency in the examinations to be conducted in the future.

The key reforms to be implemented by KPSC include ending the document verification phase, uploading the Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheet exams on the website for public access, publishing candidates’ marks along with their registration numbers, names and categories, and completing the Gazetted Probationary (KAS) exam and recruitment process within 11 months.

“These reforms will apply to all recruitment notifications already issued as well as those to be issued in the future,” said K Jyothi, secretary, KPSC.

Most of the examinations conducted by KPSC are based on OMR. The process usually involves a preliminary examination followed by a main examination and a viva. However, following allegations of irregularities in these examinations and recruitment processes, various investigative agencies have launched investigations. In light of this, KPSC has decided to reform its examination and recruitment systems.

No document verification

KPSC has also decided to end the document verification process as it exists now, a step that used to take a significant amount of time.

“Verification of documents can be done only when necessary. Applicants are required to attach all necessary documents to the post application. Once the application is submitted, no new attachments are accepted. At the time of issuance of appointment orders, the documents submitted with the application are sent to the relevant issuing department for verification. This measure saves 3 to 4 months usually spent on document verification,” said Ms. Jyothi.

Uploading OMR sheets

KPSC has also approved the proposal to scan and upload the OMR sheets of candidates on the website on the day of examination. This move ensures open access for everyone to view OMR sheets and addresses allegations of manipulation of OMR sheets. The scanning process is set to begin under the supervision of deputy commissioners.

There were allegations that candidates were selected by leaving the correct answer circles blank and later filled in by brokers. To avoid this, a decision was taken to include a fifth option (circle) along with the existing four on the OMR sheet. If the candidate does not know the answer, it is now mandatory for him to shade this fifth circle, leaving no room for manipulation later.

“Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has already introduced the fifth option on OMR sheets,” Ms. Jyothi said.

It has also been decided to publish the correct answers (answer keys) on the website immediately after uploading the OMR sheets. At the district level, a three-member committee headed by a deputy commissioner will be formed to oversee the transportation of question papers, implement facial recognition system at examination centers and create awareness among candidates about these measures.

Published – 21 Sep 2026 22:55 IST