KPSC cancels candidature for writing 'Jaya Sri Rama' on answer script, debars another

Bengaluru, Sep 27: The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) has cancelled the candidature of an applicant who wrote 'Jaya Sri Rama' on the descriptive answer script during the gazetted probationers main examination for the year 2023-24.

The incident occurred during the General Studies-3 examination held on May 9, 2025. Evaluators reported that the candidate had violated examination instructions by writing the phrase on the question-cum-answer booklet. Following this, the KPSC issued a show-cause notice to the candidate.

In his written reply, the candidate explained that he wrote the phrase unknowingly while praying to God for a job and stated that there was no malicious intent. He also requested the commission to forgive the mistake.

However, as per examination rules, candidates are strictly prohibited from writing their name, signature, registration number, mobile number, address, or any other unrelated text anywhere other than the designated OMR cover page. Any such violation is considered malpractice, leading to the cancellation of candidature. Consequently, KPSC secretary K Jyothi issued an order cancelling the candidate's application.

Accused in FDA paper leak case permanently debarred

In a separate case, the KPSC has permanently debarred a candidate who appeared for a recent examination by concealing the fact that he was an accused in the 2021 First Division Assistant (FDA) question paper leak case.

The debarred candidate has been identified as Kareppa Hanumantha Tubachi. He was among the 20 individuals booked in an FIR registered at the Jnanabharathi police station in connection with the paper leak and was subsequently arrested during the police investigation. Based on this information, the commission had previously decided to debar him from KPSC examinations.

Despite this, Kareppa applied for and wrote the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) recruitment examination held in March 2024. When issued a show-cause notice, he claimed innocence, arguing that action should only be taken after the court's verdict. He further requested permission to write the exam, stating he was a poor and honest candidate.

However, during the inquiry, it was found that he had deliberately concealed the facts with the intention of securing a job. Consequently, KPSC secretary K Jyothi issued an order permanently debarring him from appearing for any future examinations conducted by the commission.