Karnataka Government Backs KPSC Decision on KAS Exam Date

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) is facing pressure from a small group of Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) aspirants to postpone the gazetted probationers’ examination scheduled for August 27. However, the government remain committed to the original date, citing fairness to the majority of candidates and logistical concerns.

L K Atheeq, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, released a statement addressing the controversy. He revealed that a group of approximately 1,500 students, who received an extra attempt and age relaxation, are leading the push for postponement. Their tactics reportedly include flooding KPSC, Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), and Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) with calls and messages.

“They are spreading misinformation and trying to give an impression that there is a scam,” Atheeq stated, adding that some protesters are using inflammatory language against the KPSC.

The ACS emphasized that postponing the exam would adversely affect over 2.5 lakh applicants who are prepared and have made travel arrangements. He provided a timeline of events to counter claims that the exam is being conducted hastily:

• February 26: Initial notification issued
• June 21: Government order announced additional attempt for 2017-18 candidates
• July 6: Application process opened for 2017-18 batch (1,560 applications received)
• August 3: CM tweeted about postponement from August 25
• August 5: KPSC decided to conduct the exam on August 27

Atheeq also addressed concerns about the exam being held on a working day, explaining that no other Sunday was available in the next two months. He highlighted the significant preparation and cost involved in conducting an exam for over 2.5 lakh students, including approximately 4-5 crores spent on printing exam papers.

“Postponement by two months means the printed papers should be destroyed and new papers should be printed. The papers cannot be kept for such a long time as there is a risk of paper leak,” Atheeq explained.

The KPSC and government officials are urging media outlets to examine the facts carefully and consider the claims of this small group of students with skepticism. As it stands, the gazetted probationers examination is set to proceed as scheduled on August 27, 2023.