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

The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) has come under the scanner 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.

Kantha Kumar, President of the All Karnataka State Student Association told media persons, 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 began 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.

The controversy came to the fore on social media with users slamming both KPSC and the Congress-led state government.

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.