BENGALURU: The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has expressed disapproval of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge’s proposal to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to reduce the recruitment examination fees, citing rising operational costs and the need to implement various reforms, including advanced technologies like webcasting.
The proposal aimed to complete all government recruitment processes within a year and introduce computer-based tests (CBT) to minimise irregularities in examinations conducted by the KEA, Karnataka Public Service Commission and other recruitment bodies.
KEA, noting the increasing costs associated with examination reforms such as webcasting and other technological upgrades, clarified that it does not receive government grants to conduct examinations and relies entirely on fees paid by candidates. The proposal highlighted that KEA’s recruitment examination fees are higher than those of other agencies, placing a financial burden on candidates. However, KEA disagreed with these suggestions. It pointed out that its fees have remained unchanged for years and that all funds required to conduct recruitment examinations come solely from the fees collected.
Regarding fees, KEA charges Rs 750 for General and OBC candidates, Rs 500 for SC/ST candidates and Rs 250 for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) during the village administration officer (VAO) examination. In comparison, KPSC charges Rs 600 for General candidates and Rs 500 for OBC candidates in agriculture department recruitment examinations, with no fee for SC/ST candidates.
The proposal highlighted this fee disparity, but KEA defended its fee structure, stating that it is necessary to cover the expenses of conducting secure and transparent examinations.
Moreover, on the proposal to introduce CBT for all recruitment examinations, KEA raised concerns about inadequate infrastructure. Although the authority body has received approval to introduce CBT for the Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (PGCET), KEA noted that logistical challenges make large-scale implementation difficult. The authority is assessing the feasibility of CBT, but cautioned that providing facilities for all candidates simultaneously is currently not possible.