Kerala PSC re-evaluates papers after 58-mark go unevaluated for 228 candidates

New Delhi: The Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) is facing mounting scrutiny after answers carrying 58 out of 100 marks were left unevaluated for all 228 candidates who appeared in a July 2023 recruitment examination, triggering a re-evaluation, tribunal proceedings, RTI intervention and political protests. The examination was conducted to recruit candidates for three posts in the Industry and Infrastructure Division, the Perspective Planning Division and the Plan Co-ordination Division. The posts carry a basic monthly salary of around Rs 1.28 lakh. The lapse surfaced after candidate Shyamkrishnan K, who secured the third rank and missed selection, obtained a copy of his answer sheet under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. He found that answers to 10 questions had not been evaluated. The PSC later attributed the error to its digital evaluation system, saying those questions had not been assigned to examiners during the assessment process. Following the revelation, the Commission ordered a fresh evaluation of all 228 answer sheets. Candidates have argued that leaving more than half of the question paper unevaluated could have significantly altered the final rankings and selection list. The controversy widened after the PSC declined another RTI request seeking the marks of all candidates, the work experience certificates of the top two rank holders and the order governing interview marks. The Commission said the information could not be disclosed because the examination was common to three posts and one rank list was yet to be finalised. However, the State Information Commission directed the PSC to furnish the records within seven days unless it could invoke a valid exemption under the RTI Act. The handling of the matter has also exposed differences within the Commission. PSC Chairman M R Baiju initially asked the Examination Controller to investigate the lapse, but objections from several members led the Commission to assign the inquiry to its Vigilance Wing to determine whether the error was purely technical. The episode has also revived allegations over recruitment transparency during the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. While the Left has not officially responded to the latest controversy, the previous LDF administration had consistently maintained that the PSC functioned independently and denied allegations of political interference. Meanwhile, the Kerala Administrative Tribunal has sought an explanation from the PSC. The state cabinet is also expected to decide, after obtaining legal opinion, whether a separate government-level investigation should be ordered. Political pressure has intensified, with Youth Congress workers protesting outside the PSC headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, while the BJP's youth wing has demanded a wider investigation and action against those responsible.