Two invigilators in every hall; CCTV cameras, mobile jammers and same-day OMR uploads planned

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) is scheduled to conduct the preliminary examination for 319 Gazetted Probationer posts across the State tomorrow (Nov. 15).

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has directed Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to train examination staff on the lines of election duty and submit compliance reports.

The CM reviewed the preparations through a video conference with DCs and other officials recently and directed them to ensure that the examination is conducted transparently.

He asked DCs to strictly enforce KPSC guidelines and ensure continuous CCTV surveillance at all examination centres. He directed the Police to make security arrangements on the lines of Police recruitment exam.

Two invigilators

No unauthorised person should be allowed inside examination centre and even authorised personnel must undergo security checks. Candidates and staff will be allowed to carry only items permitted under the examination guidelines.

For the first time, two invigilators will be deployed in every examination hall, with at least one required to be from a Government College. They will verify candidates’ credentials, conduct checks and maintain surveillance throughout the examination. Stringent measures will be in place to prevent impersonation.

Warning to private aided colleges

Recognition of private aided colleges functioning as examination centres would be cancelled if they were found facilitating malpractice. Those involved in examination-related irregularities would also face stringent legal action.

Police to monitor social media

Police Department will keep a close watch on social media platforms for fake news. Any misleading information about exam must be brought to the notice of officials immediately so that an official clarification can be issued.

Anti-malpractice measures

Briefing the meeting on the preparations, KPSC Controller of Examinations H. Prasanna outlined several measures being introduced to prevent malpractice.

Under the revised five-option OMR system, candidates who do not know an answer must darken the fifth bubble (Option 5). No question can be left unanswered.

The OMR sheets will have three copies — one for the candidate, one for KPSC evaluation and the third to be kept securely in the strong room of the DC or KPSC.

CCTV cameras and mobile signal jammers are being installed in all exam halls. Superintendents of Police (SPs) have been asked to personally certify that the jammers are functioning properly.

Two invigilators will be deployed in each hall to verify identity cards, conduct frisking and other checks and monitor candidates from the rear of the hall.

In another transparency measure, scanned copies of all OMR sheets will be uploaded to the KPSC website on the day of the exam itself. Arrangements have been made to scan the OMR sheets in 12 districts.

Aadhaar verification

For future examinations, the Department of e-Governance will introduce Aadhaar-based identity verification at exam centres to prevent impersonation. OMR scanning centres will be set up at all district headquarters in coordination with the Department of Technical Education to speed up the declaration of results.

Issue of Caste Validity Certificates will be expedited. Appointments arising from several previously announced recruitment results had been held up due to delays in issuing these certificates.

319 posts; 1.47 lakh candidates

The preliminary exam is being held to fill 319 Gazetted Probationers posts, comprising 202 Group ‘B’ and 117 Group ‘A’ posts. A total of 345 examination sub-centres have been set up across 15 districts — Kalaburagi, Raichur, Ballari, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Dharwad, Belagavi, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Dakshina Kannada, Hassan, Davanagere, Tumakuru, Mysuru and Bengaluru Urban.

Timings of examination on Nov. 15, 2026 (Sunday)

• Paper I: General Studies and Humanities –  10 am to 12 noon

• Paper II: State-related General Studies, Science and Technology and Mental Ability – 2 pm to 4 pm

Each paper carries 100 questions for 200 marks. A total of 1,47,067 candidates have applied, including 91,238 men and 53,074 women. With two papers, 2,94,134 OMR sheets will be scanned.