Serious questions raised over KEA agricultural practical exam after 74 students from one centre scored 200 out of 200
Hubballi: Serious allegations of large-scale irregularities have surfaced in the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) Agricultural Science Practical Examination conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), after an unusually high number of students from a single examination centre secured full marks.
The controversy erupted after results revealed that 74 students from the Hiriyur examination center in Chitradurga district scored a perfect 200 out of 200 marks in the practical examination held on May 10. The development has triggered outrage among parents and students, with many comparing the alleged irregularities to the recent national-level NEET examination controversy.
Parents, student groups, and aspirants have demanded an immediate investigation into the matter and called for a re-examination to ensure fairness and transparency in the admission process.
KCET Agricultural Science Exam Under Scanner
The practical examination was conducted across 17 centers in Karnataka for admissions to agricultural science-related courses. According to students and parents, the unusually high number of perfect scores from a single center has raised serious doubts about the integrity of the evaluation process.
What intensified the controversy further was the comparison with the remaining 16 examination centers across the state. While 74 students from the Hiriyur center reportedly secured full marks, only 24 students combined from all other centers managed to score 200 out of 200.
“Such a massive difference in scores at a single center cannot be ignored. A transparent investigation is necessary,” parents and student representatives reportedly stated.
The allegations have now sparked demands for KEA to publicly clarify the evaluation process and scoring pattern used for the practical examination.
Hiriyur KCET Center Faces Scrutiny
The agricultural practical examination plays a crucial role in seat allocation for agricultural science courses in Karnataka. Nearly 50 percent of seats are reserved for children of farmers and agricultural workers, making the examination highly competitive and significant for rural students.
During the test, candidates are reportedly required to identify seeds, plants, agricultural tools, horticulture materials, and dairy-related equipment displayed physically at examination centers. Students must observe and answer practical questions based on the displayed items.
Separate question papers are prepared for each center, which has further intensified suspicion over how such a large number of candidates from only one center obtained perfect scores.
Students Demand KCET Re Examination
Apart from allegations regarding inflated marks, several students have also accused KEA of failing to issue hall tickets to some eligible candidates, further adding to the controversy surrounding the examination process.
Student groups in Hubballi and other regions have demanded cancellation of the present practical examination results and called for an impartial inquiry into the alleged irregularities.
Many parents argued that talented rural students who prepared sincerely for the examination may have suffered injustice if unfair practices were involved.
The growing controversy has placed pressure on the Karnataka Examinations Authority to respond to the allegations and reassure students regarding the transparency of the admission process.
