The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) conducted the preliminary examination for 319 gazetted probationary posts across 15 districts on Sunday and uploaded the scanned OMR answer sheets to its website soon after the tests ended, introducing a new level of public visibility into the state civil services recruitment process.
The examination was held at 345 sub-centres covering 6,192 rooms, with extensive police security. The KPSC said the arrangements were implemented without disruption and that district administrations adopted measures modelled on election-time procedures.
A total of 1,47,067 candidates had applied for the 2026–27 recruitment cycle, while 1,14,406 candidates downloaded their admission cards, according to KPSC secretary K. Jyothi. Of these, 88,450 candidates, or 60.14%, attended Paper 1, held from 10 a.m. to noon. Paper 2, conducted from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., recorded the attendance of 87,817 candidates, or 59%.
KPSC officials monitored the examination from the commission’s command centre. KPSC chairman Dr B. Prabhudeva, secretary K. Jyothi and examination controller H. Prasanna were present at the centre during the process.
“The examination process was conducted without any confusion. More than 60% of the candidates attended the examination, and immediately after it ended, the OMR sheets were scanned and uploaded to the website,” Prabhudeva said, according to Prajavani.
Prasanna said the commission had scanned and uploaded OMR sheets for the first time in its history. He also attributed the smooth conduct of the examination to the directions of the chief minister and the steps taken by district administrations using election-style arrangements.
The disclosure is significant because OMR sheets are the recorded answer documents used to evaluate candidates in objective examinations. Making the scanned sheets available soon after the test gives candidates direct access to the documents connected with their responses, although the supplied report does not state the commission’s procedure for objections, evaluation or publication of results.
The examination had two papers. One candidate quoted by Prajavani described Paper 1 as comparatively difficult and complex, while saying that Paper 2 contained more questions related to current affairs. The candidate also praised the security arrangements.
The KPSC has not, in the supplied report, announced the date for the preliminary examination results or detailed the next stage of the selection process. The uploaded OMR sheets and subsequent commission notices will determine how the recruitment moves forward.
