First PU annual examination question papers in Karnataka to be prepared at state level

The School Education Department of Karnataka state has taken a significant decision with the objective of improving the quality of Pre-University (PU) education. From the current academic year, question papers for the First PU (I PU) annual examinations will now be prepared at the state level. An official order to this effect was issued by the state government on Saturday.

According to a report by The Hindu, the responsibility of preparing these question papers has been assigned to the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board. However, the planning and conduct of the examinations will be carried out under the supervision of the School Education Department (Pre-University). Under this new arrangement, a uniform examination timetable will be prepared for all PU colleges across the state, which will be applicable to all institutions.

To make the examination process more modern and secure, question papers will be sent to all colleges in digital format on the day of the examination. It is expected that this method will bring transparency and speed to the distribution of question papers.

Certain exceptions have also been kept in this new arrangement. Only the practical examinations of First PU will be conducted according to the timetable prepared at the district level. While question papers will be prepared at the state level, the process of evaluation will continue at the college level as before. Before declaring the examination results, review and approval by the Deputy Director of Pre-University of the respective district will be mandatory.

The government order clarifies that this change in the First PU examination system will improve the foundational education of students, which will ultimately help in increasing the percentage of students passing the Second PU (II PU) examinations.