K’taka cabinet decides to reduce KAS exam interview marks to 25

Bengaluru: Karnataka cabinet headed by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has decided to cut down the maximum marks in the interview stage of the KPSC Gazetted Probationer exams, popularly known as the KAS exam, to just 25.

KPSC has been reeling under allegations of corruption and malpractices in the recruitment process for some time now. To bring transparency in the recruitment process, the state cabinet decided to amend the Karnataka Gazetted Probationers’ (Recruitment through competitive exams) Rules.

About 8 months ago, the marks for the interview stage had been reduced to 50 from the earlier 200. Now, the marks will be further cut down to 25.

Aspirants who wish to get into the elite Karnataka Administrative Service, Karnataka Police Service, etc. have to appear for the 3-stage Gazetted Probationary (GP) exam conducted by the KPSC. After clearing the preliminary stage of the exam, aspirants appear for main exam papers that carry 1250 and qualify for the final interview.

Cabinet also decided to confer powers to the Chief Minister to appoint members to the vacant positions at Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC).