Kerala PSC Recruitment Exam Irregularities Under Investigation

The Crime Branch is intensifying its investigation into alleged irregularities in the Kerala Public Service Commission's recruitment exams. Claims have emerged that 45 questions from the Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector exam were copied from online study materials. Additionally, there are serious allegations regarding the selection of ineligible candidates and manipulation of recruitment rules. The investigation has expanded to include other departments, with two officials already arrested. This unfolding scandal raises significant concerns about the integrity of the recruitment process in Kerala.

By Ambika Singh Oct 31, 2026, 17:17 IST

Intensified Investigation into Kerala PSC Recruitment

The inquiry into alleged misconduct during the recruitment exams organized by the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) has escalated. The Crime Branch is currently investigating claims that 45 questions from the Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector exam were directly copied from online study resources. A case has been filed against unidentified PSC officials regarding these allegations. Additionally, the investigation has broadened to include claims of irregularities and favoritism in the recruitment processes for various departments, including Fisheries, the Khadi Board, Village Oil Inspector roles, and the State Planning Board, particularly after flaws were identified in the evaluation of the State Planning Board exam.

Details of the Complaint

The case was initiated on Friday following a complaint lodged by Rahul Raj, a resident of Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district. The complaint alleges that unknown PSC officials engaged in misconduct during the recruitment process. The FIR indicates that 45 questions in the Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector exam were reportedly taken verbatim from online platforms like 'Scamveda' and Sanfoundry.com.

Allegations of Ineligible Candidates

Concerns Over Recruitment Standards

There are serious allegations regarding the inclusion of candidates who did not meet the required physical standards and that eligibility criteria were altered post-application deadline. The complaint claims these irregularities resulted in the selection of unqualified candidates in the rank list published on September 2, 2024, thus denying qualified individuals job opportunities. The case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Fisheries Department Recruitment Scrutinized

Separate Investigation into Fisheries Extension Officers

In a related case concerning the recruitment of Fisheries Extension Officers, the Crime Branch has implicated the PSC Chairman and other officials. This investigation pertains to a notification from August 2020, with allegations that certain candidates received unfair advantages in the rank list published on November 28, 2022, which remains valid until November 28, 2025.

Evaluation Flaws in State Planning Board Exam

Issues with On-Screen Marking System

The investigative agency is also examining alleged irregularities in the recruitment for the Khadi Board and the Village Oil Inspector position. Significant discrepancies were found in the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system during the State Planning Board exam, where 10 descriptive questions in Economics, totaling 58 marks, were not evaluated correctly. Following a complaint, a re-evaluation was conducted, resulting in a shift in rankings: Shyam Krishna moved from third to first place, while Arun J. Pradeep dropped from first to fifth.

Ongoing Investigation and Arrests

Special Investigation Team Formed

The state government has assigned a Special Investigation Team (SIT) from the Crime Branch to delve into these matters. So far, two PSC officials have been arrested, and the team has interrogated the Commission’s Chairman, M.R. Baiju, along with other members. The investigation's scope has now expanded to include potential irregularities in additional recruitment exams conducted by the PSC.