File photo of protesters in front of the PSC headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged irregularities in a Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) examination has gathered evidence into an alleged conspiracy to manipulate the recruitment process.
The investigators have intensified its probe after registering the first case in connection with the discrepancies found in the evaluation of an examination to the post of Chief (Industry and Infrastructure) in the Kerala State Planning Board. The case was registered after detailed inspections at the PSC headquarters, including forensic examination of computers and official records.
According to the SIT’s findings, the alleged malpractice was not an isolated lapse, but an orchestrated attempt to manipulate the rank list. It is suspected that the evaluation process was deliberately altered to ensure that a preferred candidate secured the first rank in the examination.
The probe has reportedly found that answers carrying 54 marks, which the candidate who eventually secured the first rank had left unanswered, were excluded from the evaluation process. Investigators believe that had all questions been evaluated in accordance with standard procedure, the candidate would not have qualified even for the shortlist.
The omission of these questions resulted in several other candidates losing nearly 50 marks each, and thereby significantly affected their final rankings. Investigators have found that the eventual first-ranker had actually scored 53 marks fewer than the candidate who should have actually topped the list.
Based on such findings, the SIT suspect that the irregularities may have been part of a wider conspiracy involving senior officials and possible external influence to secure the appointment of a favoured candidate.
The investigators are examining whether public officials abused their authority and whether any political or other external interference played a role in the alleged manipulation.
The SIT is set to seek the government’s approval to prosecute at least two senior PSC officials since sanction is required before public servants can be charged under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The FIR presently states “Officials of KPSC” as the accused.
Apart from corruption charges, investigators are also examining other offences including criminal breach of trust and abuse of official position. The officials concerned are expected to be questioned in the coming days.
Published – July 30, 2026 11:00 am IST
