Using Kannada in KPCS Interviews and Exams: Exploring Language Options
The possibility of using Kannada in Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPCS) interviews and exams has sparked interest among many candidates. While Kannada is an official language of Karnataka, the decision to use it in official examinations and interviews requires careful consideration of the guidelines set by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).UPSC Guidelines for Language Options in Civil Services Exam
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has established specific guidelines on the use of language during the Civil Services Examination, including interviews. According to the UPSC annual report 2019–20, of 1,992 candidates appearing for the final interview, 250 chose to use their mother tongue (which could be Kannada) and 1,742 chose English.
For candidates who choose to write the Civil Service Mains Examination in any language listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India (other than Hindi and English), they have the option to conduct the Personality Test (interview) in that language, Hindi, or English. If a candidate writes the Civil Service Mains Examination in English, they can choose to conduct the interview in English, Hindi, or the language chosen for their Modern Indian Languages paper (if chosen).
For candidates who write the Civil Service Mains Examination in Hindi, they can opt for the interview in Hindi or English. This gives candidates flexibility in choosing the medium of communication during the interviews, provided they have a solid command of the language they choose to use.
Using Kannada in KPCS Exams and Interviews
Yes, candidates are allowed to exercise their choice of language when filling out the Delhi Application Form (DAF) for the Karnataka Public Service Commission exams. However, the decision to use Kannada in the interview should be carefully evaluated. For instance, if a candidate is not comfortable speaking in English, they might opt for Kannada. However, the board will ask questions in English, and a translator will provide the necessary translations. There is a possibility that the nuances and weight of your responses may be slightly lost in translation.
Furthermore, for candidates who are graduates in a technology-related field, using Kannada in the interview may be challenging, as technical terms in Kannada may not be adequate or available. In such cases, opting for English, despite its complexity, might be more advantageous.
Language Options for UPSC and KPCS Exams
General scientific and technical terms during the Mains examination will be in English and Hindi. For the Mains exam, candidates can opt for Kannada as their medium of writing for their optional subjects, but the General Studies papers and the mandatory English paper must be written in English.
During the preliminary examination, all questions will be in English. For the Mains exam, candidates can opt to write their answers in Kannada for their optional subjects. However, the General Studies paper and the mandatory English paper must still be written in English. For the interview, if a candidate chooses to answer in Kannada, they should mention it in advance, so that a translator can be provided for the interview.
It's important to note that although using Kannada in the interview is an option, it should be considered carefully to ensure effective communication and a smooth interview process.
In conclusion, while Kannada can be an excellent option for candidates who are comfortable with it, the decision to use it in the interview should be based on the candidate's linguistic proficiency and the potential challenges that may arise. For more detailed information and specific guidelines, candidates should refer to the official UPSC and KPSC websites or consult with the relevant teams.