The Karnataka government will introduce a common question paper system for the First Pre-University Course (1st PUC or Class 11) annual examinations from 2027, ending the practice of individual colleges setting their own question papers.Under the new arrangement, the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) will prepare question papers for all pre-university colleges across the state. A uniform examination timetable will also be introduced to ensure that students appear for their annual examinations according to the same schedule.Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa announced the move on his official X account, stating that the government had issued an order entrusting KSEAB with the responsibility of setting question papers for the 1st PUC annual examinations.While KSEAB will oversee question paper preparation, the Department of School Education (Pre-University) will continue to conduct the examinations.
The assessment of answer scripts will also remain with individual colleges under the supervision of their respective principals. COMMON QUESTION PAPERS AND TIMETABLE FROM 2027Under the existing system, individual pre-university colleges prepare their own question papers for 1st PUC annual examinations.
This can result in variations in question paper patterns, difficulty levels and assessment standards across institutions.The revised system aims to bring greater consistency to examinations, with KSEAB preparing common question papers at the state level. These papers will be transmitted digitally to the respective colleges on the day of the examination.
A uniform timetable will also be prepared for all pre-university colleges, ensuring that written examinations are conducted according to a common schedule across Karnataka.Practical examinations, however, will follow a separate arrangement, with their schedules being prepared at the district level rather than through a single state-wide timetable.EVALUATION TO CONTINUE AT COLLEGE LEVELAlthough KSEAB will take charge of setting question papers, the evaluation process will remain with individual colleges.Answer scripts will continue to be assessed at the college level under the supervision of the respective principals. However, colleges will not be allowed to publish results independently without administrative approval.Results will be declared only after they have been reviewed and approved by the respective District Deputy Directors.The arrangement is intended to introduce an additional layer of accountability in the evaluation and result declaration process while allowing colleges to retain responsibility for assessing students' answer scripts.ALL GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE PU COLLEGES TO BE COVEREDThe new examination framework will apply to all institutions offering First PUC courses across Karnataka.This includes government pre-university colleges, government-aided institutions, unaided private colleges and pre-university colleges functioning under other state government departments.According to the Education Minister, the decision is part of the government's efforts to improve the quality of education at the pre-university level.
A common examination system will also help the department monitor academic standards from the first year itself.The government expects the changes to strengthen students' academic preparation and contribute to improved pass percentages in Second PUC examinations.- Ends