SSLC exams begin in Karnataka

BANGALORE: The Secondary School  Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination, 2013 began on Monday amid tight security. As many as 8.5 lakh students appeared for the first language exam on Day One at 3,003 centres across Karnataka. The exam will conclude with social sciences paper on April 10. The department of public instruction has tightened measures to avoid any possible paper leaks and malpractices. "We are employing 6,012 sitting squads for the examination. There will be two persons at each centre to supervise the examination process," said  D Venkateshaiah, director exams,  Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB). Students will not be allowed to carry calculators and mobile phones inside the examination hall. Moreover, question paper bundles will be unsealed in front of students inside the hall only at 9.30am every day. "The question papers will be opened inside the hall and students will authenticate the process. Two students, along with the invigilator's signature, will testify that the process was followed," said Venkateshaiah. "This year 8,49,599 students are appearing for the examination. We have identified 159 centres as sensitive, based on previous records and reports submitted by block education officer (BEOs) and deputy director of public instructions (DDPIs). These centres will have added security mechanism, which includes presence of inter-district squad, special observer and state-level observer. As many as 59 examination centres have been identified as very sensitive and accordingly, measures are being taken," said Venkateshaiah. Rumour mongers, beware! Venkateshaiah also said that no leniency will be shown to those spreading rumours or are found to be involved in any unfair practices, including leakage of question papers. "We have deployed squads of BEOs and police night beat for surveillance of areas. Any one spotted discussing question papers or distributing handwritten or typed papers will be rounded up and handed over to the nearby police station for verification. Safety of question papers is our top priority," he added. The  exams will be held from 9.30am to 12.45pm.   Source: TOI