The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) is facing challenges with paper leaks, fake candidates, altered photos, and tampered documents during recruitment exams. To prevent cheating, RPSC has introduced new rules for upcoming exams.

From now on, candidates must attach larger and clearer photos when submitting their exam applications. They will also need to provide a sample of their handwriting on the attendance sheet at the exam center.

Previously, passport-size photos were required for applications and attendance. However, larger photos will now be necessary to help exam officials easily identify candidates. In addition to the photo changes, candidates will now write a sentence below their signature on the attendance sheet. This will be done in front of an invigilator.

“Earlier, only the candidate’s signature was sent to RPSC with the exam materials. Now, candidates will also write a sentence and sign it under supervision,” Ram Niwas Mehta, Secretary RPSC explained.

RPSC is also improving security for the question papers sent to exam centers. Candidates will need to scan and upload their left-thumb impression with their online application. They will also have to give another thumb impression at the exam center to verify their identity.

Additionally, candidates whose Aadhaar card photo is more than 3 years old are required to update it online before applying to ensure the photo matches their current appearance.

Recent Leaks by RPSC Members

The recent arrests of former Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) members Babu Lal Katara and Ramu Ram Raika have further tarnished the commission's reputation. Katara is accused of leaking the 2022 Senior Teacher Recruitment Examination paper, while Raika allegedly obtained the 2021 Sub-Inspector (SI) exam paper from Katara and shared it with his daughter, Shobha, and son, Devesh, both of whom cleared the exam and joined the Rajasthan Police Academy (RPA).

A former RPSC member revealed that for many years, RPSC members were in charge of setting question papers and answer keys, which led to several controversies. Due to persistent demands for greater transparency, the state government eventually appointed an IAS officer as the Chief Examination Controller (CEC). Two former RPSC chairmen also expressed concerns about the lack of thorough vetting in the selection of commission members, often influenced by political motivations.