Paper leak drives TNPSC to cancel Group II exam

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The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) on Monday announced that it has decided to cancel the Group II examination held across the state on Sunday following allegations of question paper leak. The authorities have launched an investigation into the allegations and arrested four persons, including a couple.

As many as 6.4 lakh candidates appeared for the exams that took place in 114 centres across all the 32 districts of the state to fill 3,631 vacancies. However, chaos broke out as there were allegations of a question paper leak in Erode and Dharmapuri districts. When the reports were confirmed, TNPSC chairperson R. Nataraj on Monday said the commission has decided to cancel the examination and dates for the re-examination would be announced within 10 days.

“As soon as there were complaints of a question paper leak, we ordered a probe. We are awaiting a detailed report from the police in this connection and once we receive it, all those involved will be punished,” said Mr Nataraj. Candidates involved in the leak will be barred from taking any exams hereafter and if the involvement of government employees comes to light, stringent action would be initiated against them, he said.

Authorities claimed that they have confiscated the leaked papers and taken the persons involved into custody for interrogation.

“This has come as a blow to the candidates who worked hard to prepare for the exams. The security arrangements should have been better and TNPSC should take the responsibility for it,” said Mr Parthasarathy, trainer, Radian IAS Academy.