4 days ago
OCSC tightens grip on exam cheating problem
The Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) has reaffirmed its confidence in rigorous anti-cheating measures for civil service entrance examinations, says Deputy Secretary-General Kitipong Maharatthanawong.
His remarks come in response to recent allegations of a sophisticated cheating ring, exposed by the Facebook page Thammasat Exam Center.
The page revealed the existence of modern cheating networks that use advanced tools -- such as credit card-sized devices embedded with SIM cards paired with bean-sized wireless earpieces -- to evade scanners. These networks also hire individuals to collect and relay exam information from outside the halls.
Speaking to the Bangkok Post, Mr Kitipong outlined the OCSC's multi-layered security protocols, aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the selection process for roughly 400,000 civil service positions under its jurisdiction.
He said the recruitment process comprises three stages: a general aptitude test (Part A), which is directly overseen by the OCSC and taken by 500,000–600,000 candidates annually; a specific knowledge test (Part B); and a job suitability test (Part C). Parts B and C are administered independently by individual government agencies.
For Part A, the OCSC employs multiple standardised test sets, making in-room copying extremely difficult. Answer sheets also have varied layouts to further deter cheating. Even the question writers do not know which set will be used, as the final selection is drawn by lottery just before the exam.
On exam day, papers are transported under tight security to locked examination rooms monitored by CCTV. A management committee oversees every step under a system of checks and balances, ensuring that no single individual has full oversight of the process. "I myself have never seen the exam questions; my duty is merely to draw lots," Mr Kitipong said.
Deterring fraud, upholding integrity
Mr Kitipong said the grading process for Part A is fully automated, relying on machines and computerised systems to eliminate human error or bias.
Candidates must pass all three subjects in the Part A exam -- general knowledge and aptitude, English language and civil service ethics -- in order to advance. Those who pass retain their scores indefinitely, allowing them to apply for open positions at any time.
He said penetrating the OCSC's system is difficult. However, persistent efforts by organised groups using high-tech tools remain a concern.
All exam centres are equipped with metal detectors. After each exam, papers are collected and destroyed under strict supervision by both hired companies and OCSC officials.
Mr Kitipong denied claims of "leaked OCSC exam papers" from previous years. While some individuals may memorise questions, the physical papers are never leaked -- they are securely destroyed after every session.
The OCSC also reduces repeat attempts by barring individuals who have already passed the general knowledge exam from retaking it, forcing cheating networks to constantly find new participants.
He acknowledged the possibility of insider involvement and said the OCSC is working to implement internal disciplinary measures for such cases. The Civil Service Act, he said, already requires the immediate disqualification of anyone convicted of exam fraud. However, legal appeals are allowed, which means prosecutors must have robust evidence such as CCTV footage and signed documents.
