Question paper leak: Karnataka to change rules for conduct of exams

Bengaluru, Apr 12: Facing flak over Class XII chemistry question paper leaks, Karnataka government on Tuesday said it is working on changing the rules for conduct of exams.

"In the coming days we will be changing rules regarding how to conduct SSLC (Class X) and PUC (Class XII) board exams," Primary and Secondary Education Minister Kimmane Rathnakar said here.

"We will see to it that such things don't repeat again," he said referring to the recent question paper leaks that caused outrage among students and parents.

Meanwhile, re-examination of Class XII Chemistry paper was held today after it was leaked twice earlier. Over 1.74 lakh students wrote the exam across the state.

About today's re-exam, Rathnakar said, "we selected the question paper this morning. So there was no chance for question paper leak."

The examination that first took place on March 21 was cancelled after it was revealed that the question paper was leaked.

On March 31, hours before the rescheduled Chemistry exam was to begin, Department of Pre-University Education was alerted about question paper leak at two locations in the state.

The state government has handed over the probe into the matter to CID, who have so far arrested five persons including the Officer on Special Duty to state minister Sharanprakash Patil.

Cracking the whip, the government had suspended 40 officers and other staff of the Pre-University Department, and also transferred the Director following the leaks.

Already under fire over its handling of the exam, government is now struggling hard to convince the lecturers who have boycotted evaluation of answer papers over pay anomaly issue and this may delay announcement of results.

Several rounds of discussions between the government and the Karnataka State PU College Lecturers and Principals' Association involving Rathnakar have failed.

The minister had earlier said that if Lecturers don't appear for evaluation, alternative arrangements would be made and results announced as per schedule.

Department officials said the government is likely to come out with its final decision over the stalemate by tomorrow.

PTI