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KPSC sparks outrage over last-minute instructions, hundreds of candidates left in the lurch

The controversy began with major translation errors in the 2024 prelims, where candidates allege KPSC used AI tools to convert English to Kannada, resulting in confusion and loss of marks

South First Desk

Published May 03, 2025 | 3:16 PM ⚊ Updated May 03, 2025 | 3:16 PM

KPSC logo

KPSC logo. (Supplied)

Synopsis: Over 350 candidates have accused the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) of denying them adequate time to apply for the KAS mains exams, despite a recent tribunal order allowing them to appear. The KPSC’s late-night notice on May 2, requiring immediate action, has sparked outrage among aspirants and student groups, who allege mismanagement and injustice in the examination process

The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) has once again come under fire—this time for allegedly denying adequate time to over 350 candidates to complete the application process for the KAS mains exams and submit examination fees via demand draft. 

The exams are being held for Group A and Group B gazetted probationer posts.

According to Kantha Kumar, President of the All Karnataka State Student Association, these candidates had recently secured permission from the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT) to appear for the mains, following a petition over translation errors in the Kannada version of the preliminary exam question paper.

“The KAT order came just two days ago, and instead of rescheduling the exams, KPSC issued a notice at 9 PM on May 2, stating that its office would remain open till midnight to allow candidates to collect hall tickets. How can students from remote districts travel to Bengaluru at such short notice? This is blatant injustice,” Kumar said.

The controversy stems from major language errors in the preliminary exams held in August and December 2024. 

Candidates allege KPSC used AI-based tools to translate English content into Kannada, leading to inaccuracies and confusion. Several candidates claim they lost marks due to these poorly translated questions.

Also Read: What is the row over Karnataka PSC exam day

Congress and KPSC slammed

Public anger erupted on social media, with users slamming both KPSC and the Congress-led state government. 

Senior journalist @dp_satish called KPSC “Karnataka’s shame,” alleging rampant corruption. “Officials are creating deliberate confusion to sell KAS posts. If SSLC and PUC Boards can manage exams efficiently, why can’t KPSC? It must be dissolved, and all involved officials prosecuted. The problem lies more with bureaucrats than politicians,” he said.

Opposition leaders also weighed in. BJP state president BY Vijayendra accused the Congress government of seeking revenge on students who challenged the KPSC. “The candidates got court permission to write the exam, but KPSC harassed them with midnight instructions and zero clarity. This government is playing with their future,” he said.

Karnataka BJP, through its official handle, called the move a “deliberate attempt to mentally harass students,” noting that even the Chief Minister had earlier promised in the Assembly to protect Kannada-medium candidates—yet failed to act on it.

User @ReddyBMR2 lashed out at the state government, calling it “one of the worst in recent years” and accusing it of ruining the dreams of KPSC aspirants through lack of clarity and preparation. “This is shameless,” he posted.

Expressing strong disapproval, @placid_critic said, “KPSC’s conduct has been utterly unprofessional. Asking students to collect hall tickets at midnight is disgusting. This is not how a Constitutional body should behave. The government’s inaction is enabling such callousness.”

Meanwhile, criticism continues to mount against KPSC for its “unprofessional and inhumane” conduct, with student groups, activists, and political leaders demanding accountability, transparency, and a complete overhaul of the exam process.

(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Rashmi Patil)

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