Third phase of PSC degree-level prelim exam found easier than earlier ones

PSC
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The third phase of the preliminary exam being conducted by the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) for various posts with Degree as the basic qualification is over. Though the first two phases were of a high standard, the third phase posed not much difficulty to candidates.

Since the exams in three phases have been completed, the PSC will now declare the cut-off marks. Those who get the cut-off marks will become eligible to write the main exam. Those who are confident that they have done the Prelims well can prepare for the Main exam without waiting for the results to come.

Candidates are apprehensive about whether the PSC will be able to do equal justice to candidates in all three phases after normalization and standardisation of marks.

Extremely tough questions and stretched-out statement questions comprised the first two phases of the public exam. In the third phase, though, the questions of General Knowledge, English, Maths and Mental Ability, and Malayalam were easier than in the first two phases.

Likely marks in third phase

In the third-phase exam even average students can score 30-32 marks from the General Knowledge section with 50 questions. The GK section was set in such a way that studious candidates could even score full marks. Candidates could score a minimum of 15 marks from the Maths and Mental Ability section. Even average candidates could score 15 marks in the English section. Meticulous candidates could score full marks in both sections. The minimum that could be scored from the Malayalam section was eight marks.

If calculated in this way, the easier third phase offered the opportunity for even average candidates to score 68 marks. When the question papers are analyzed, it can be easily understood that when the candidates found it tough to secure even 50-55 marks in the first two phases, the third phase questions could deliver 60-65 marks.

Some candidates face the prospect of registering negative marks due to the pressure in the examination hall and faulty time management. Even then, it is not difficult to score 60-65 marks.

It has to be seen now whether there will be a mass elimination of candidates belonging to certain phases as in the Class 10 equivalency exam.

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