Teachers' body sets papers, violate DPI instructions

In spite of instructions from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), teachers association have set the question papers for preparatory and mid-term examinations at the taluk and district levels.

In August, the department had issued a circular saying that any preparatory tests or mid-term exams should be conducted at the school-level. The papers should be set by the subject teachers based on the model question paper, the circular said.

On Tuesday, a question paper set by an association in Devanahalli in Bengaluru Rural district was leaked on Whatsapp before the start of the examination at 10.30 am. The preparatory test was the second language paper of English for class X.

The 80 marks paper set for 2.5 hours had a mix of multiple choice questions and descriptive answer questions.

“Leaks like this are very common. Associations do this because they make money from it. The department has instructed them not to set the papers, still they continue it. They should at least conduct it properly, ensuring that there is no room for leaks. This only corrupts students,” said Shashi Kumar D, general secretary of Associated Management of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS).

‘Leak by tution centres’

He said that the papers are sold for petty amounts and are often leaked from tuition centres and printers. Though the papers may become easier if set by the schools’ subject teachers, there will be transparency and accountability, Shashi Kumar added.

The director of public instruction (secondary education) said that the respective district deputy directors would have to look into these cases.