Udupi, March 1, 2025: The crucial Second PUC (Pre-University Course) examinations, which play a significant role in professional education, will commence across the state from Saturday. This year, a total of 16,203 students from Udupi district, which secured the second position in the state in 2024, will be appearing for the exams at 28 examination centers.
Among the 16,203 students, 15,685 are fresh candidates, while 351 are private candidates. Additionally, 163 students are reappearing for the exams, and four students are attempting to improve their scores, according to District Commissioner Dr. K. Vidyakumari.
This year, 7,728 students are appearing from the Science stream, 7,246 from Commerce, and 1,230 from the Arts stream. The District Commissioner has stated that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure that students can take the exams without any confusion or difficulties. Supervisors, assistant supervisors, and observers have been appointed to oversee the arrangements at all 28 examination centers.
Webcasting at all centers
To monitor the examination process, the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board, along with the district administration, has implemented webcasting in all 28 centers. The board has appointed observers for each center, according to Udupi’s Pre-University Education Department Deputy Director, Maruti.
This year’s question papers will be securely stored in the district treasury. On the day of the examination, a three-member committee—comprising the Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Treasury Deputy Director, and the Deputy Director of Pre-University Education—will oversee the distribution of question papers. These will be transported to the examination centers in GPS-enabled vehicles by a team consisting of Tehsildars, field education officers, and the principals of the respective centers.
To maintain the integrity of the examination process, the District Commissioner has imposed a prohibition order within a 200-meter radius of the examination centers, ensuring that all photocopy shops in the area remain closed.
Strict security measures
The District Superintendent of Police has taken measures to deploy police constables at all examination centers. Additionally, steps have been taken to ensure the safe transportation of answer scripts after the exams.
Shortened exam duration
This year, the exam timings have been set from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, which is 15 minutes shorter than the previous year. Students will have three hours to complete question papers worth a maximum of 80 marks. Each exam hall will be equipped with a clock to help students manage their time effectively.
To create a stress-free environment, instructions have been given to conduct the exams in a student-friendly manner. Mobile phones, calculators, and other electronic devices will not be allowed inside the examination halls.
CCTV surveillance in all exam halls
CCTV cameras have been installed in all examination rooms across the 28 centers. A control room at the District Commissioner’s office will monitor these cameras to ensure transparency and prevent any malpractice. Observers have been appointed to oversee the process, and state-level authorities will also have direct access to the live feed.
Additionally, every center has been equipped with biometric machines and barcode readers for enhanced security.
Year-long preparations for better results
With the goal of securing the top rank in the state, preparations for the exams began at the start of the academic year. Special classes were conducted as needed, and the syllabus was completed by December to allow students time for revision. Strategies were implemented to help both high-achieving and struggling students study effectively.
At the taluk level, committees and nodal officers have been appointed to oversee academic progress. Extra classes were conducted for students lagging behind, and government PUC lecturers underwent two days of specialized training and workshops.
Science stream students were also provided coaching for CET and NEET exams, which has had a positive impact on their academic performance and results, according to Maruti.