State govt tightens rules for competitive exams, recruitment

BENGALURU: The state government is taking steps to curb irregularities and bring in reforms by formulating more stringent rules in competitive exams and recruitments.

The reforms will include security of examination centres, management of exam answer sheets and OMR sheets, transportation of confidential materials, printing and storage of question papers. The responsibility of conducting exams will be that of the coordination officers while the district deputy commissioners will be chief superintendents.

The government has taken the decision to revise rules to leave no room for examination lapses. A draft of the revised rules has been published and the government has invited objections and suggestions.

Draft notification highlights
(Appointment and responsibilities of officers)

Chief Superintendents: Each examination authority shall appoint the district deputy commissioners (DC) of the concerned district as the chief superintendents of the district.

Deputy commissioners will coordinate with police, treasury, education and transport departments and take full charge of pre-examination and post-examination activities.

Every officer on examination duty must compulsorily submit a self-declaration that they have no conflict of interest with candidates and will maintain confidentiality.

If necessary, the government/deputy commissioners can take over any educational institution to conduct the exam.

Question paper preparation, printing and storage security

Identity of question paper setters, translators and checkers will be kept strictly confidential.

In printing presses, staff, materials, entry and seal register books must be compulsorily maintained.

Damaged or extra printed copies must be immediately destroyed in presence of officers and certificate prepared.

Confidential materials must be kept in the district treasury strong room with double-lock system, restricted entry and under CCTV surveillance.

During transportation, GPS tracking, QR code/barcode seal and police escort system is mandatory.

Security of examination centre and prohibited items

Bringing mobile phone, smart watch, Bluetooth, calculator, camera, scanner, written/printed material and blank sheets inside examination center is completely prohibited.

Even examination room supervisors should not bring mobile or any electronic devices inside the room.

Before entry of candidates, biometric verification, face recognition and admit card/ID card verification is mandatory.

Question paper packets must be opened only at the scheduled time, in presence of center head and at least two authorized witnesses.

Use of unfair means and action against candidates (debarment)

If malpractice or irregularity is suspected, the concerned person should be prevented from leaving the spot, information should be given to police and nodal officer and evidence (CCTV, biometric record) should be preserved.

Showcause notice will be issued to candidates who committed irregularity, and after getting their explanation, the examination authority will issue strict order.

List of debarred candidates will be sent to all examination boards of the state. Such candidates cannot appear for any public recruitment exam or interview in the state.

Accountability of Service Providers

It is mandatory for technology, printing, scanning or security agencies to sign a strict confidentiality and data security agreement (MoU).

No work can be sub-contracted without permission of authority.

If there is dereliction of duty or irregularity by service provider, it includes permanently blacklisting the organization, forfeiting security deposit and taking legal action.

Crime investigation, court and recovery of expenses

As soon as report of question paper leak or unfair means is received, ‘Emergency Operational Protocol’ will come into effect.

Crimes must be investigated by officers not less than the rank of DySP or Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl. SP) and investigation must be completed within 3 months and report submitted to court.

Govt will designate special sessions courts for trial of these cases, and court trial will start within 6 months of filing of chargesheet.

If exam is cancelled due to irregularity, entire expenses incurred for re-exam, printing, transportation and administrative will be recovered from organizations or persons responsible for irregularity.

Mandatory preservation of records and protection of complainants

Examination authorities must maintain separate register books related to confidential staff, question paper custody, strong room, incidents and complaints.

Question paper records, OMR/answer sheets and digital logs must be kept safe for at least 5 years after final result.
CCTV footage of sensitive areas must be preserved for at least one year.

There will be separate helpline, e-mail and portal system to complain about irregularities, complainant’s identity will be kept completely confidential and suitable protection will be provided to them.Opportunity to file objections within 15 days.

Candidate who is involved in irregularity and debarred cannot write any competitive exam in the state.

Investigation of irregularity by officer not less than DySP or Addl. SP rank.

It is mandatory to investigate and give report within 3 months.

Special Sessions Court established for trial of case. Trial starts within 6 months of charge sheet filing.

Question paper records, OMR sheet, answer sheets must be kept safely for 5 years after result.

CCTV video of sensitive areas must be compulsorily kept for 1 year.

DC of each district will be responsible for entire examination system before exam and after exam is completed.