After two paper leakages last year, the 2017 second PU examination began all over the State this morning amidst unprecedented security measures and a slew of examination reforms.

The Department of Pre-University Education (DPUE) had put in place fool-proof and poll-like measures to prevent a repeat of the 2016 fiasco. The exam is being held amidst threats from PU lecturers to boycott evaluation.

Around 6.84 lakh students across the State wrote biology/history paper between 10.15 am and 1.30 pm. In Mysuru, a total of 36,891 students wrote the exam at 26 centres. In all, there are 50 exam centres in Mysuru district.

Almost all the examination centres in Mysuru have installed CCTV cameras while only 50 percent of the Government Colleges have managed to install cameras owing to lack of funds. The District Administration has also installed CCTV cameras at the District Treasury from where the question papers are shipped to various centres.

A biometric and an alert system have been installed at the treasury. According to the security measures, an alert will be sent to the PU Director, Treasuries Director, and the Superintendent of Police if unauthorised people entered the strong room. Each question paper bundle also has a barcode to keep track. No candidate was allowed inside after 10.30 a.m. and those who left the exam hall early were not allowed to carry the question paper with them.

The District Administration has formed four teams comprising Tahsildar, Education Officers and Principals to distribute question papers. Each team has also been provided with two gunmen to ensure the question papers reach safely.

CBSE: A total of 6,500 CBSE students studying 64 schools across city also appeared for 12th Standard examination which also commenced today across the country. Around 716 students studying in 18 ICSE-affiliated schools will appear for the 12th Standard examination commencing from tomorrow.

Student takes ill at exam centre

A student fell ill while writing the examination at Vijaya Vittala Composite PU College. He has been identified as K.P. Preetham, a student of Sadvidya Semi Residential PU College. Preetham was writing answers when he suddenly fainted at around 12 noon inside the examination hall. Soon, the college authorities, after seeking permission from Chief Examination  Superintendent, rushed Preetham to Kamakshi Hospital.  His  condition is said to be stable.