All you need to know about the new PSC exam pattern

The Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) will conduct tests as per the revised exam pattern from December.

The exams will be conducted in two phases. First, a common preliminary exam will be conducted. Those who clear this elimination test will be allowed to write the second round of the main examination.

Those who secure the required marks in this exam will make it to the rank list.

The marks of the preliminary exam will not be considered while preparing the rank list. The marks of the second examination will determine the candidate's rank.

One exam, separate lists

The common test will be held for posts with similar eligibility criteria. The first exam to be held in December will be for posts that require only SSLC qualification, such as the LDC in the various departments and secretariat office attendant. The last grade servant exam will also be held along with this.

After this, tests that require plus-two qualification will be held, followed by tests with graduation as the eligibility criteria.

Though one common test is held, various rank lists would be published. Cut-off mark would also be different.

After the preliminary exam of LDC and last grade, a probable list of 5,000-10,000 candidates will be published in various districts. Then the next exam will be conducted. And based on this, the rank list will be published.

Posts that require technical knowledge, medical, engineering, driving and teaching posts will not have a common preliminary exam.

The PSC is planning to conduct the common exam with the SSLC qualification in five or six phases.

After the irregularities in the civil police officer exam were revealed, the PSC conducted exams for less than three lakh people across the state in a single day.

However, around 5 lakh candidates will be able to appear for the December exams in a single day.

Common exams

• SSLC qualification

Last grade, LDC, secretariat office attendant, village field assistant, BEVCO LDC, company/corporation/board last grade etc.

• Plus-two qualification

Civil police officer, civil excise officer, beat forest officer, fireman, and so on.

• Graduates

KAS, secretariat assistant, university assistant, panchayat secretary, BDO, junior employment officer, special branch assistant, company/corporation/board assistant.

23 lakh applicants for common test

Around 23 lakh candidates are likely to appear for the common test that includes LDC and last grade.

A total of 17,58,338 candidates from 14 districts applied for the LD clerk post. While 6,98,797 candidates had applied for the last grade servant post and 10,59,000 for the secretariat office attendant. As many as 61,37,825 applications have been made for posts with similar eligibility criteria. But considering that one candidate would have applied for more than one post, the actual number of applicants will only come up to 23,02,398.