The second pre-university examinations got off to a smooth start across the State on Thursday. However, 13 instances of malpractices were reported from eight districts. Examinations for history and computer science were held on the first day.
According to a press release from the Department of Pre- University Education, 13 students have been debarred for indulging in malpractices. This includes three candidates from Bijapur, two each from Belgaum, Kolar and Dharwad, and one student each from Bagalkote, Gulbarga, Hassan and Chickballapur.
As per the directions from the department, the invigilators dedicated the first few minutes of the examination to whiten out the caste column on the hall tickets.
The mention of caste in the admission ticket had kicked up a row in the run-up to the examinations.
Strict invigilation
Over 5.96 lakh candidates have enrolled to appear for the examination to be held at 923 examination centres across the State. The last exam will be on March 31.
Measures such as formation of special vigilance squads have been takn to keep a check on malpractices.
“The invigilators were not even letting us exchange stationery. We have been asked to bring our own water bottles. They did not let any student go out of the hall even if they had finished writing the paper before time,” said Remo Mohan, who appeared for the examination at St. Joseph's College, Bangalore. As far as the response to the question papers is concerned, most students said the question paper was easy. However, history students complained that the paper was lengthy. However, Shashank Venkat said that there was enough time to complete the paper before time and even revise the answers.
Gitika Chopra, who had prepared for the examinations by solving question papers of the past five years, said, “Last year's paper was comparatively easy. But I have not fared badly in the examination. I am expecting at least 65.”
On Friday, examinations for biology and electronics will be held.
