Students Association Demands CBI Probe Into KPSC Recruitment Lapses

August 20, 2026

The All Karnataka State Students Association (AKSSA) has called upon the Karnataka State government to transfer the investigation into Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment irregularities to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The association presented a memorandum outlining their grievances to Dharwad Deputy Commissioner Snehal R. and cautioned that failure to address their demands within four days will result in an indefinite agitation across Dharwad and Bengaluru.

What Happened

Speaking to media representatives in Dharwad, AKSSA president Kanthakumar highlighted irregularities linked to KPSC recruitments, referencing recent searches conducted at various locations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Emphasising the need for accountability, the association stated that a comprehensive inquiry should be undertaken by the CBI to identify individuals engaged in malpractice and ensure legal action is taken against them.

In addition to KPSC matters, the student body pointed out significant administrative lapses during the recent Civil Police Constable recruitment examination. According to the association, candidates experienced delays in receiving question papers and encountered errors on OMR sheets. On these grounds, AKSSA has urged the authorities to cancel the affected test and hold the examination afresh.

The association further raised broader job recruitment concerns across Karnataka. Following the State government’s announcement to recruit for 75,000 vacant posts, AKSSA insisted on the immediate release of an official recruitment calendar. The representatives also petitioned for formal competitive examinations to be instituted for posts including fire station officer, forest watcher, and guide, alongside amendments to the governing cadre and recruitment rules.

Key Highlights

Demand for a CBI investigation into reported irregularities in KPSC recruitments, following searches by the Enforcement Directorate.
Request to re-conduct the Civil Police Constable recruitment examination due to delays in paper distribution and OMR sheet errors.
Call for the release of an official recruitment calendar tied to the government’s plan to fill 75,000 vacancies.
Plea to amend cadre and recruitment rules to fill posts of fire station officer, forest watcher, and guide through competitive tests.
Demand for a five-year relaxation in the upper age limit for applicants in schoolteacher recruitment.
Urgent call for the notification of Police Sub-Inspector recruitment, provision of free transport for exam candidates, and opening of student canteens.
Request for proper execution of the 400-roster-point system regarding internal reservation for Scheduled Castes.
A four-day deadline issued to the State government, with the warning of an indefinite agitation in Dharwad and Bengaluru if demands are unmet.

Why This Matters

The representation addresses major administrative procedures affecting thousands of public service aspirants throughout Karnataka. Scrutiny by the Enforcement Directorate and allegations of examination mismanagement—such as paper distribution delays and OMR sheet discrepancies—impact candidate trust in public recruitment processes. Demands for age limit relaxations, clear exam schedules for 75,000 job vacancies, and statutory roster compliance for Scheduled Castes highlight pressing concerns regarding transparency, access, and fairness in state employment.

What to Watch Next

The student organisation has set a four-day ultimatum for the State government to consider the submitted memorandum. Observers will be watching whether the state administration responds to the requests regarding the recruitment calendar, examination reviews, and the CBI inquiry demand. If no official response is provided within the specified timeframe, the association has declared plans to launch an indefinite demonstration in Bengaluru and Dharwad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary demands made by AKSSA?

The association is primarily seeking a CBI inquiry into KPSC recruitment irregularities, the re-examination of the Civil Police Constable test, the release of a recruitment calendar for 75,000 posts, a five-year age relaxation for schoolteacher applicants, and the implementation of the 400-roster-point system for Scheduled Castes internal reservation.

Why is AKSSA demanding a re-test for the Civil Police Constable exam?

The association highlighted administrative failures during the examination, specifically mentioning delays in the distribution of question papers and errors found within the OMR sheets.

What action has the association planned if demands are ignored?

AKSSA president Kanthakumar stated that if the State government does not respond to the demands within four days, the group will begin an indefinite agitation in both Dharwad and Bengaluru.

Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.