Bengaluru, April 17 (IANS): A record 2.67-lakh candidates will appear for preliminary exams on Sunday across Karnataka for just 440 posts in three main state government departments, a senior official said here on Friday.

"The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) is conducting the preliminary exams for gazetted probationers on April 19 across the state to fill up 440 posts in revenue, commercial taxes and police departments," KPSC's controller of examinations R. Venkatesh told IANS.

The day-long exam will be held at 12 centres and 625 sub-centres in 10 districts and two taluks across the state.

"As we have introduced frisking for the first time, the candidates are advised to carry only admission card and pen to the examination hall," Venkatesh said.

The panel has appointed 125 class-1 officers as flying squads to ensure fair conduct of exams without any malpractice.

"We have also appointed 45 IAS, IPS, IAF and KAS (Karnataka Administrative Service) officers as observers to monitor the peaceful conduct of exams," he noted.

The KPSC has also arranged to videograph all centres to record the conduct of exams in fair manner.

"As mobile handsets and electronic gadgets such as Bluetooth devices are not allowed in the exam centres, candidates are advised not to bring them, as they will be seized but and returned after the exam," Venkatesh noted.

As a precautionary measure, police security will be provided at each exam venue across the state to maintain peace and law and order.