Karnataka to standardise Class 11 exams from 2027
The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board will prepare common question papers for all pre-university colleges across the state.
The Karnataka government will introduce a common question paper system for the First Pre-University Course (1st PUC) annual examinations starting in 2027, according to reports by India Today, The Times of India and Times Now. This move ends the practice of individual colleges setting their own papers.
Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa announced on his official X account that the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) has been entrusted with the responsibility of preparing these state-level question papers. The papers will be transmitted digitally to colleges on the day of the examination to maintain confidentiality and prevent leaks.
Under the new framework, a uniform examination timetable will be introduced for all pre-university colleges. However, practical examinations will follow a separate arrangement with schedules prepared at the district level. The mandate applies to all government, government-aided, unaided private, and state department-run pre-university colleges.
While KSEAB will set the papers, the Department of School Education (Pre-University) will conduct the examinations. The evaluation of answer scripts will remain at the college level under the supervision of respective principals.
To ensure accountability, colleges will not be allowed to publish results independently. Results must be reviewed and ratified by the respective District Deputy Directors. Additionally, these directors will deploy external observers and flying squads to monitor centres for malpractice.
The government stated the change aims to bring consistency to examination standards, reduce variations in difficulty levels, and improve the quality of education. The system is also intended to help monitor academic standards and improve pass percentages in Second PUC examinations.