KP PSC test cancelled after 18 candidates found using electronic devices

PESHAWAR: In a startling turn of events, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Public Service Commission’s recruitment test for assistant engineers/SDO (Grade-17) was marred by a cheating scandal involving the use of modern electronic devices and master cards by some candidates.

The KP Public Service Commission’s director of examinations on Wednesday issued a notice, stating that the test conducted on June 24 for SDOs and assistant engineers in the KP Communications and Works (C&W) and Irrigation Departments had been canceled on the recommendation of an inquiry committee headed by Farman Anjum, who submitted a report to the commission after months of thorough probe.

The inquiry was formed after receiving complaints about the use of electronic gadgets and master cards by candidates during the test.

The notice said that “following complaints on the Prime Minister’s Citizen Portal and during strict body search, 18 candidates were caught using unfair means, modern electronic devices and master cards during the test.”

It said that “a fair and impartial inquiry was conducted and the charges were proved against them.”

The notice said that opportunity of show cause and personal hearing was provided to the candidates and consequently, the 18 candidates were banned with penalties for a period ranging from one to three years due to their use of unfair means during the test,” the notices said.

Subsequently, the entire test was canceled and rescheduled for December 23, 2023, it said.

Sources said that of the 4,360 candidates who participated in the initial test, over 4,000 will now have to retake the examination due to the wrongdoing of the disqualified candidates.

KP Public Service Commission Secretary Nader Khan Rana told HUM News English that the inquiry committee’s report led to the decision to cancel the test and disqualify the cheating candidates and administer a retest based on the committee’s recommendations.