Karnataka to introduce state-level question papers for 1st PUC from 2027
The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board will prepare uniform papers for all government and private pre-university colleges.
The Karnataka government will implement a common question paper system for the First Pre-University Course (1st PUC) annual examinations starting in 2027, according to reports by Times Now and India Today. Under this new arrangement, the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) will be responsible for setting the papers instead of individual colleges.
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Madhu Bangarappa announced the decision on his official X account, stating that an order has been issued to entrust KSEAB with this responsibility. The move aims to standardise examinations and address concerns regarding inconsistent difficulty levels and local bias across different institutions.
While KSEAB will prepare the papers, the Department of School Education (Pre-University) will conduct the exams. The question papers will be sent to colleges digitally, and a uniform examination timetable will be introduced for all students. However, practical examination schedules will still be managed at the district level.
The evaluation of answer scripts will continue at the college level under the supervision of principals. Colleges will not be permitted to publish results independently; instead, final results must be verified and ratified by the respective District Deputy Directors.
The mandate covers all government, government-aided, and unaided private pre-university colleges, as well as those run by other state government departments. The government expects these changes to improve academic standards and help students prepare for 2nd PUC and competitive exams.