Bloomers galore, PSC withdraws 326 questions this year

Kozhikode: The Public Service Commission (PSC) has retracted 326 erroneous questions from various examinations conducted so far this year.
In the three phases of the General Preliminary Examination for multiple posts, which required an undergraduate degree as a basic qualification, a total of 32 questions were withdrawn. This large-scale oversight occurred in an exam taken by lakhs of candidates.

Similarly, in the examinations conducted for posts in the Medical Education Department, 5 to 10 questions had to be withdrawn due to errors. The issue of incorrect questions extended across exams for various positions, including Malayalam LP School Teacher, Overseer, Planning Board Research Assistant, and Assistant Recordist, among others.

The PSC has a system that requires the omission of questions from answer sheet evaluation if candidates file complaints. In the past, it was rare to withdraw more than one or two questions per exam.

Candidates are also increasingly frustrated with the PSC fixing different answers for the same question across various exams. There have also been complaints that some valid questions were withdrawn while erroneous ones were retained.

PSC acknowledges limitations in detecting errors
The PSC acknowledges its limitations in detecting errors before the exams. Question papers are prepared by different experts, sealed, and the final paper is selected through a draw of lots. It is only when the sealed envelopes are opened in front of the candidates in the exam hall that officials themselves become aware of the content.

The PSC further clarified that detailed guidelines are given to the experts to avoid mistakes, and those who consistently make errors are no longer involved in question paper preparation. However, in response to a Right to Information Act query regarding the selection process for these experts, the PSC stated that this information is classified due to its confidential nature.