Intense competition is witnessed for recruitment of Lower-Division Clerks (LDC) in the Kerala Government. The LDC examination is conducted by the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) and lakhs of candidates apply after focussed preparation over the years.
Number of applicants
In 2016, Thiruvananthpuram, with 2.29 lakh applicants, top with number of applicants. Meanwhile, Wayanad (58,113), Kasaragod (64,236) and Idukki (74,912) registered the lowest number of applicants. Similar trends could be seen this year as well.
District-wise appointment
The appointments of LDCs are done based on the number of vacancies reported in each district. Transfers to the same department in another district would be allowed only after working in a district for at least 5 years. This is not applicable for those who seek transfers to Wayanad, Kasaragod and Idukki districts. However, one cannot avail this relaxation if they are looking to move out of these districts.
No choice
The appointments to more than 80 departments that come under the state government would be made from the LDC rank list. The candidates cannot choose their preferred departments, no matter how high their position in the rank list is. The appointments would be done based on the vacancies that are reported in the PSC.
Minimum qualification
SSLC is the minimum qualification for the post of LDC. There are no grace marks or privileges for qualifications higher than that. The rank list would be prepared based on the marks obtained by the candidates in the PSC exam. Though sports persons and ex-servicemen have special weightage, they could avail it only if they secure the cut-off marks.
More than 8,000 vacancies
Around 36,783 candidates made it to the previous rank list and are eligible for appointment in the 14 districts. According to the information provided on the official website of PSC, around 3,861 candidates have received recommendations for appointment. More than 8,000 candidates could expect appointment before 2021, when the validity of the rank list expires. These many numbers of candidates are expected to get appointed from the forthcoming rank list as well.