Stringent Security Measures Mark Smooth Conduct of Karnataka Eligibility Test
High Candidate Turnout Recorded Amidst Complaints Over Strict Enforcement of Dress Code and Access Restrictions
Bengaluru – The Karnataka State Eligibility Test (K-SET) was conducted smoothly across the state on Sunday, witnessing a robust 90% attendance. While officials reported no major incidents of malpractice, the stringent enforcement of rules, including the removal of jewellery and religious threads, sparked discomfort among some candidates at various centers.
Examination Sees High Participation
Approximately 1.21 lakh aspiring lecturers appeared for the crucial examination out of the 1.34 lakh candidates who had registered. The test was administered across 316 centers in 11 districts, including Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Ballari, covering 34 different subjects. Authorities from the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) confirmed that the proceedings concluded without any reports of untoward incidents.
A Proactive Stance on Exam Integrity
In a statement, H. Prasanna, Executive Director of the KEA, emphasized the preventive measures taken to ensure a fair testing process. “We took strict measures to prevent any irregularities. No untoward incidents were reported at any centre,” Prasanna said. He added that the evaluation process had commenced swiftly, with all answer sheets scanned and uploaded by evening. The release of preliminary answer keys for all subjects is expected later this week.
The security protocol included declaring a 200-meter radius around all exam centers as a restricted zone. As part of this, all nearby photocopy shops and internet cafes were ordered to remain closed for the duration of the exam, which was held from 10 AM to 1 PM.
On-the-Ground Enforcement Sparks Mixed Reactions
The strict adherence to rules was particularly evident in districts like Ballari, where several candidates were required to remove items such as earrings, nose rings, bracelets, and religious wrist threads (‘kautuka’ or ‘kalawa’) before being permitted to enter the examination halls. While candidates were informed of the guidelines beforehand, the on-site enforcement caused consternation for some.
An exam officer at a Ballari center, speaking on the condition of anonymity, defended the measures. “It was mandatory to follow the rules. Although some students were upset, the measures were necessary to maintain transparency,” the officer stated. The rules, which also restricted personal items like bags and electronic devices, were part of a broader effort to prevent malpractices and uphold the examination’s credibility.
Media Updates: +91-93531 21474 [WhatsApp] | indianowme@gmail.com
Significance of K-SET and Path Forward
The K-SET is a mandatory qualification for securing lecturer positions in degree colleges across Karnataka. The outcome of this examination is highly anticipated by thousands of graduates, as it determines their eligibility for academic appointments in the state’s higher education institutions. With the answer keys slated for release shortly, candidates will soon have clarity on their performance as they await the final results following the evaluation process. Despite the minor friction over security protocols, the overall successful and incident-free conduct of the exam has been noted as a positive outcome by the administering authority.
