Utkal University in Odisha has filed a complaint with the cyber police and ordered an investigation into allegations that examination question papers were available on social media before the scheduled tests.
The university has also formed a special committee headed by the Vice-Chancellor to investigate the matter. Officials said the authenticity of the alleged leak would be verified and strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible.
The issue came to light after question papers for the Plus III second-semester examinations were reportedly circulating on social media a day before the examinations. The second-semester exams began on September 12, with students from around 300 colleges appearing for the tests.
The alleged circulation of the papers has caused concern among students, particularly those who had prepared for the examinations based on the scheduled timetable. One student said that the situation had created uncertainty about whether the examinations would be held again and what questions might appear.
Utkal University Controller of Examinations Dr Hrushikesh Nayak said the university would first verify whether the papers circulating online were genuine. If the investigation establishes that the actual examination papers were leaked before the tests, the affected examinations may be conducted again.
The university has also begun examining its question-paper security procedures. Under the existing system, question papers are sealed at the university before being sent to the respective colleges. The sealed packets are supposed to remain unopened until 30 minutes before the examination begins.
Officials will therefore examine the entire chain of custody to determine how the papers may have become available ahead of the scheduled examination. The investigation is expected to look at the handling, transportation, storage and distribution of the question papers.
The involvement of cyber police is also significant because the alleged papers were reportedly being circulated through social media. Investigators may examine digital records and online circulation to establish when the papers first appeared and whether they corresponded to the official examination papers.
University authorities have not yet confirmed that an actual question paper leak took place. At this stage, the allegations are being investigated, and the university has said that any decision regarding a re-examination will depend on the findings of the probe.
The controversy has once again highlighted the importance of maintaining confidentiality around examination papers. A confirmed leak could affect thousands of students and raise questions about examination security and administrative procedures.
For now, students are waiting for the university's investigation to establish whether the circulating papers were genuine and, if so, how they were obtained before the examinations.
The special committee headed by the Vice-Chancellor will oversee the investigation, while the cyber police complaint is expected to assist in tracing the source and digital circulation of the alleged papers. Further action, including any re-examination, will depend on the outcome of these investigations.
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