Karnataka to monitor social media during SSLC and PU exams amid fake paper leaks

The Karnataka government has announced strict monitoring of social media platforms during the upcoming SSLC and Pre-University examinations following reports of fake Class 12 question papers circulating online.

The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board said a purported PU II question paper being shared on social media is fake. KSEAB president Prakash Nittali said that a complaint will be filed with the cyber police to trace those responsible for spreading the material.

SSLC examinations are set to begin on March 18, while PU II exams will commence on Feb 28.

The decision to intensify surveillance comes after similar incidents during preparatory examinations in January, which resulted in the arrest of eight individuals, including a headmaster, teachers, and minor students, for alleged involvement in question paper leaks.

The School Education and Literacy Department has now directed closer scrutiny of online platforms during the main board examinations.

School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa held a review meeting with deputy commissioners, chief executive officers of zilla panchayats, superintendents of police, and senior officials across districts. He instructed authorities to take preventive steps to curb the spread of fake or leaked question papers.

Addressing the media, Bangarappa said platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and X would be monitored.

“Strict action will be initiated against those who attempt to circulate fake question papers. The police department has already identified and is keeping track of habitual offenders involved in such cases,” he said, adding that examination activities at all centers across the state would be webcast to ensure transparency.

The minister also announced revisions to the minimum passing marks. For SSLC, the passing requirement has been reduced from 35% to 33%. For PU examinations, it has been lowered from 35% to 30%.

A total of 710,363 students from 5,174 PU colleges have registered for the Class 12 examinations this year. Among them, 292,645 are from the Science stream, 211,174 from Commerce, and 142,982 from Arts. The PU exams will be conducted at 1,217 centers statewide.

For SSLC, 902,889 students from 15,941 schools have enrolled, the highest number recorded so far. The Class 10 examinations will be held at 2,871 centers.

The government has also announced free bus travel for students appearing in SSLC and PU examinations on Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation buses upon producing valid hall tickets.

Similar arrangements will be extended to private buses operating in coastal and Malnad regions, the minister said.