Bengaluru:Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has directed district officials to take stringent measures to ensure that the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Gazetted Probationers preliminary examination is conducted transparently and without malpractice. The examination for 319 Group A and Group B posts will be held across the state on November 15, 2026.
Chairing a video conference with Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police at his official residence, Krishna, CM Shivakumar reviewed the preparations for the examination. He instructed Deputy Commissioners to conduct election-style training for all examination staff and submit a report on the arrangements.The Chief Minister emphasised that KPSC guidelines must be strictly followed. He directed officials to install CCTV cameras in all examination halls and ensure continuous surveillance. Security arrangements should be made on the lines of police recruitment examinations, with additional police personnel deployed wherever necessary.
He made it clear that unauthorised persons would not be allowed inside examination centre premises. Everyone permitted to enter must undergo security checks and carry only authorised items. Candidates will not be allowed to carry mobile phones into examination centres. Senior officials would be held responsible for any violations.
For the first time, two invigilators will be appointed in every examination hall, with at least one of them being a government college staff member. The arrangement is intended to strengthen identity verification, prevent impersonation and ensure closer monitoring during the examination.
CM also warned private aided colleges that their recognition would be cancelled if they were found facilitating examination malpractice. Strict legal action would be taken against anyone involved in irregularities. He asked the police to monitor social media platforms to prevent the spread of false information and rumours about the examination.KPSC Examination Controller H. Prasanna explained the new measures introduced to prevent malpractice. Candidates must mark the fifth option on the OMR sheet if they do not know an answer, as no question can be left unanswered. Triple-copy OMR sheets will be used, with copies retained by candidates, the KPSC and the district administration.
All scanned OMR sheets will be uploaded to the KPSC website on the day of the examination. Scanning facilities have been arranged in 12 districts. Mobile jammers and CCTV cameras will also be installed in examination halls, and police superintendents must verify that the jammers are functioning properly.
A total of 1,47,067 candidates have applied for the 319 vacancies, comprising 202 Group B and 117 Group A posts. Examination centres have been arranged across 15 districts.The examination will be conducted in two sessions: Paper 1 from 10 am to 12 noon and Paper 2 from 2 pm to 4 pm.The Chief Minister urged candidates not to believe rumours and to rely only on official information.
