Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar Promises KPSC Overhaul, Approves Interrogation in Recruitment Irregularities Case

DK Shivakumar Promises a New KPSC

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has said the state government will give the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) a “new form” as part of efforts to strengthen the public recruitment system and prevent examination irregularities.

Speaking to reporters at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru on Sunday, October 25, Shivakumar said a committee had been established to examine earlier irregularities and recommend measures to improve the commission’s functioning.

He stressed that recruitment examinations must be fair and transparent, arguing that candidates who work hard to secure government jobs should not be disadvantaged by money, influence or recommendations.

Permission Granted to Interrogate an Accused

Shivakumar said the government had granted permission to interrogate an accused in connection with the KPSC irregularities case.

He said investigators, including the Enforcement Directorate and state officials, had examined aspects of the case and that further questioning would help establish the facts.

The government’s decision comes amid an investigation into alleged corruption and the leaking of question papers in a competitive recruitment examination. The allegations remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings.

Prosecution Sanction Against Suspended IAS Officer

The state government has also granted prosecution sanction against suspended IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in connection with alleged corruption and irregularities in the KPSC recruitment process.

Gangwar previously served as the commission’s controller of examinations. Investigators have accused him of allegedly passing examination papers to a middleman before the recruitment test.

The prosecution sanction enables the investigating agencies to take further prosecution-related steps under the applicable legal provisions. It does not, by itself, amount to a conviction.

Alleged Question-Paper Leak in Veterinary Officer Recruitment

The case concerns the competitive examination held on January 8 and 9, 2026, for the recruitment of 400 Veterinary Officer posts.

According to the CID investigation cited in reports, question papers were allegedly leaked to at least 10 candidates who later appeared among the top 20 rank holders.

Investigators have also alleged that candidates were charged between ₹20 lakh and ₹80 lakh for access to the papers. The alleged payments were reportedly collected through middleman Basavaraj Kannale, who was arrested on August 30.

These details are based on investigative allegations reported by the media. The accused are entitled to due process, and the allegations must be established through the legal process.

CID and ED Investigating the Case

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are investigating different aspects of the case.

The CID is examining the alleged examination malpractice and the roles of the individuals involved, while the ED is investigating possible financial transactions connected with the alleged corruption.

The final selection list for the Veterinary Officer recruitment was announced on July 17, 2026. Investigators are examining whether the alleged paper leak affected the fairness and integrity of the recruitment process.

Committee to Recommend KPSC Reforms

Shivakumar said a committee had been formed to examine how such irregularities could be prevented in the future. The government intends to consider its recommendations while deciding on changes to the commission.

The deputy chief minister also referred to broader efforts to reform the education and examination system. He said discussions involving ministers, including U T Khader and Priyank Kharge, were aimed at improving transparency and ensuring that recruitment is based on merit.

The precise structure and scope of the proposed KPSC overhaul will depend on the government’s decisions and the committee’s recommendations.

Government Says Recruitment Must Be Fair

Shivakumar said the government would take corruption in public recruitment seriously because it could undermine young candidates’ confidence in the system.

He argued that candidates should receive opportunities based on merit and preparation rather than financial influence or personal connections.

The case has renewed attention on the safeguards needed to protect confidential examination materials, investigate suspected leaks and ensure accountability in public recruitment.

Key Takeaways

• Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivakumar has promised to overhaul the KPSC.

• The government has granted permission to interrogate an accused in the irregularities case.

• Prosecution sanction has been issued against suspended IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar.

• The case involves alleged question-paper leaks in the examination for 400 Veterinary Officer posts.

• The examination was held on January 8 and 9, 2026.

• The CID alleges that at least 10 candidates received leaked papers and later ranked among the top 20.

• Investigators have alleged that candidates were charged between ₹20 lakh and ₹80 lakh for access to question papers.

• The CID and ED are investigating the case.

• The government has formed a committee to examine reforms aimed at improving recruitment transparency.

Bottom Line

Karnataka has announced steps to investigate alleged KPSC recruitment irregularities while considering wider reforms to the commission. The prosecution sanction against a suspended IAS officer and permission for further interrogation mark developments in the ongoing case. The government says its objective is to make recruitment fairer and more transparent, but the allegations against individuals must still be tested through the legal process.