Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) is set to change in tune with the times. The public recruiter plans to hold half of its tests online within a year. Increasing its digital shift, answer sheets would be scanned and made available on the computer screen for onscreen marking evaluation.
The tests for all major positions are to be changed to descriptive answering method, said the outgoing PSC Chairman M K Sakkeer.
Several candidates study the answers by heart and appear for the tests. The descriptive answering method is an antidote to such practices.
The evaluation of descriptive examinations can also be done quickly through the onscreen marking technique.
As the number of candidates runs into lakhs for many positions, the preliminary examinations will continue to be conducted based on Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) of the answers given to Multiple Choice Questions even though the candidate’s skills in writing and other capabilities cannot be evaluated thus, the PSC chief stated.
The decision on descriptive tests for any recruitment will be based on the educational qualifications set by the PSC. For instance, through descriptive tests those who apply for teaching positions would be evaluated to check if they have teaching skills.
Cross-checking
Thee PSC also mulls double evaluation in a bid to ensure its credibility. Any allegations or complaints regarding often mar its standing.
A system has been developed by which all details regarding the conduct of the examination can be uploaded flawlessly right at the examination centre and the evaluation can be carried out quickly based on the same without any errors.
Online centres
The PSC has online examination centres in 7 districts as of now. Centres would be set up in other districts also. Besides, 50 engineering colleges are also being used as PSC’s online examination centres. Examinations for certain positions are already being conducted online by the PSC.