PSTET-1 2025 Answer Key Discrepancy Triggers Widespread Concern Among Candidates
Chandigarh: A significant discrepancy in the final answer key for the Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test (PSTET-1) 2025, released on Sunday, has ignited serious concerns among candidates. Aspirants are alleging that an error in the key has resulted in the loss of crucial marks, potentially jeopardizing their chances of qualifying for primary teacher recruitment in the state.
Exam Structure and Transparency Measures
Conducted by Guru Nanak Dev University on behalf of the Punjab government, PSTET-1 is a mandatory eligibility test for the recruitment of primary teachers for Classes I to V. The examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, each carrying one mark. To ensure transparency and curb malpractice, the question paper is distributed in four distinct sets: Codes A, B, C, and D. These sets contain the same questions but are arranged in different sequences to prevent cheating.
Inconsistencies Across Question Paper Sets
According to numerous candidates, the final answer key released on Sunday exhibits glaring inconsistencies across these sets. Specifically, two questions—numbered 37 and 89 in Code A, 55 and 81 in Code B, and 44 and 70 in Code C—have option B marked as the correct answer. However, in Code D, the corresponding questions (numbered 59 and 74) show different answers, with option A marked correct for one and option D for the other.
This inconsistency has led to allegations that candidates who received Code D have unfairly lost two marks due to no fault of their own. In a highly competitive exam where every mark counts, this discrepancy could significantly impact qualification statuses, potentially altering career prospects for many aspirants.
Candidate Outcry and Demands for Accountability
Sukhbir Singh, one of the affected candidates, voiced his frustration, stating, "The same questions have been evaluated differently across sets. This is not a minor discrepancy; it directly affects our results. Candidates with Code D are at a clear disadvantage due to an error that should have been caught during verification."
In response, aspirants have united to demand immediate action from the authorities. Their key demands include:
- A thorough review of the final answer key to identify and correct all discrepancies.
- Awarding appropriate marks to all affected candidates to ensure fairness.
- Holding accountable those responsible for the error, with an investigation into how it occurred despite multiple stages of verification.
Heightened Anxiety and Awaiting Results
This development has added to the already high anxiety levels among candidates who are eagerly awaiting their results. The PSTET-1 exam is a critical step for aspiring teachers in Punjab, and any error in the evaluation process undermines the integrity of the recruitment system. Candidates are urging the university and government to address the issue promptly to restore confidence and ensure a just outcome for all participants.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are closely monitoring the response from Guru Nanak Dev University and the Punjab government, hoping for a swift resolution that upholds the principles of fairness and transparency in competitive examinations.
