CM Siddaramaiah Orders Re-Examination of KPSC Gazetted Probationers' Exam After Translation Errors

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Monday that he has directed the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) to reconduct the Gazetted Probationers' examination after reports emerged of inappropriate Kannada translations of questions. 

The re-examination will be held within two months to ensure fairness for all candidates, CM Siddaramaiah stated in a post on X. He added that those responsible for the translation errors have been relieved of their duties, and promised that the upcoming examination will be conducted with "utmost responsibility and accountability following all due diligence."

CM Siddaramaiah said, “In the light of reports of inappropriate kannada translation of questions in the KPSC Gazetted Probationers' examination, I have directed KPSC to reconduct of the examination within 2 months to ensure fairness to all candidates.”

He added, “Those responsible for these lapses have been relieved of their duties. The upcoming examination will be conducted with the utmost responsibility and accountability following all due diligence. We remain committed to upholding the integrity of our recruitment processes.”

The Gazetted Probationers' examination, which took place on August 27, was marred by errors in the Kannada translations of questions, leading to significant confusion among Kannada-medium students. The examination was for 350 gazetted probationary officer posts in the State. BJP MLC N Ravi Kumar criticized the handling of the exam, calling it a failure and attributing it to the "misrule" of the INC Karnataka government.

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike President TA Narayan Gowda highlighted that out of a 400-mark question paper, over 60 questions were incorrectly translated. He stressed the need for a re-examination and indicated that if necessary, their movement would continue with plans to lay siege to KPSC.

The controversy has sparked widespread outrage, with several prominent figures including writers Kum. Veerabhadrappa, L.N. Mukundaraj, Kannada Sahitya Academy President Nagatihalli Chandrasekhar, and film personalities B.M. Giriraj and Kaviraj expressing solidarity with the demand for a re-exam. The Kannada Development Authority chairperson Purushottama Bilimale has also sought a detailed report from the KPSC Secretary. On social media, hashtags #KPSC_Mosa and #KASReExam have been trending in response to the issue.