Mysuru: Nearly 35,000 candidates today appeared for the written exam conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) at various centres in city for appointment to Second Division Assistant (SDA) posts.

Over 53,000 aspirants had opted for Mysuru centre. The exam was conducted in 114 centres including Maharaja’s PU and Degree College, Maharani’s, Banumaiah, SDM, Vidyavardhaka, Mahajana, Teresian, Yuvaraja, Gopalaswamy, Marimallappa and Sadvidya Colleges in city.

The written exam comprised two papers of 100 marks each. While the first paper was held from 10 am – 11.30 am the second paper was from 2 pm – 3.30 pm.

Most of the candidates, who had opted for Mysuru centre were from Mysuru, Mandya, Hassan, Chamarajanagar and Kodagu districts. There was a significant number (almost 18,000) of absentees, according to sources.

The KPSC had issued a notification on Nov. 24, 2017 for appointment of hundreds of First Division Assistant (FDA) posts and Second Division Assistant (SDA) posts lying vacant in various Government Departments. While the written exam for SDA took place as scheduled today, the written exam for FDA, which was scheduled for Feb. 4, was postponed by the KPSC.

Tight Police security was provided around all exam centres. Mobile and Sitting Squads were in place to check any malpractices in the exam centres.

The question paper bundles, which were kept in safe lockers of District Treasury, were brought out for despatch to the centres at about 9.30 am under the watchful eyes  of the authorities.

DDPI Manjula, ADC T. Yogesh, KPSC Mysuru Divisional Office Assistant Secretary M. Lakshmidevi and other top officials visited some centres.

The City Police had clamped prohibitory orders in 200-metre radius of all the centres so as to prevent any unauthorised person from visiting the exam  venue. Also, all photocopy shops in the vicinity of the centres were closed for the day.

Some of the candidates were seen receiving last minute tips from their parents.