The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) recruitment examinations has questioned three senior commission officials, even as tensions rise between investigators and the commission over the submission of certified document copies. According to sources, the officials questioned include an Under Secretary, Joint Secretary, and a System Analyst — all associated with the examination wing and involved in key functions like evaluation and processing of answer sheets.
A Dispute Over Certified Documents
Sources close to the investigation say the SIT had requested certified copies of certain documents from the PSC, but the records haven't been handed over yet. Investigators had already obtained and examined these documents earlier, but certified copies are specifically needed if the records are to be produced as evidence before a court.
PSC Pushes Back Legally
According to sources, the PSC has taken formal legal steps to challenge the SIT's direction to hand over these documents. Investigators, however, consider the certified records crucial for moving forward with the case and for establishing solid documentary evidence in court. The officials questioned were also asked detailed questions about how the examination process actually functions — including how answer sheets are evaluated and how examination records are processed. Investigators are trying to determine whether any officials or employees played a direct role in the alleged irregularities.
More Cases Likely This Week
Based on what's emerged from the investigation so far, sources indicate two to three fresh cases against PSC officials could be registered this week. The preliminary probe has reportedly pointed to possible irregularities in other recruitment exams too, not just the one that initially triggered the investigation.
The SIT's probe originally began after major alleged irregularities were detected in the recruitment exam for the post of Chief in the Industry and Infrastructure Department of the Planning Board. Following those initial findings, investigators expanded their scope to look at other recruitment examinations conducted by the commission across different years.
Over 50 Exams Now Under the Scanner
The SIT is currently examining more than 50 recruitment examinations conducted over the past six years. So far, investigators have received around 120 complaints relating to roughly 60 to 70 exams held in different years. The team is now working to match these complaints against actual examination records and other documentation, while also scrutinising the role of officials and employees in the examination wing, the procedures used for evaluating answer sheets, and how results were prepared.
As the investigation widens, both examination procedures and record management within the PSC are coming under increasingly close scrutiny. The SIT is examining documents, questioning officials, and analysing complaints to piece together the nature of the alleged irregularities — including when they occurred and who might have been involved.
Investigators are also trying to determine whether this alleged malpractice was limited to isolated examinations or part of a broader, systemic pattern. With more cases potentially being registered and the investigation still ongoing, further details about the alleged exam scam are expected to surface in the coming days.
FAQs
Q1. How many PSC exams are currently under investigation?
The SIT is examining more than 50 recruitment examinations conducted over the past six years, based on around 120 complaints relating to approximately 60 to 70 exams.
Q2. Why has a dispute arisen between the SIT and Kerala PSC?
The dispute centres on the PSC not yet handing over certified copies of certain documents requested by the SIT, which are needed to present as evidence in court. The PSC has taken legal steps to challenge this direction.
Q3. Which exam initially triggered this broader investigation?
The probe originally began after major alleged irregularities were detected in the recruitment examination for the post of Chief in the Industry and Infrastructure Department of the Planning Board.