Utkal University in Bhubaneswar is set to conduct a detailed inquiry into an alleged question paper leak after reports surfaced regarding the possible circulation of an examination paper before the scheduled test.
University Controller of Examinations Dr Hrusikesh Nayak said on Friday that the varsity authorities will verify the reports and investigate when and how the alleged leak occurred.
The inquiry will be conducted under the supervision of the Vice-Chancellor (VC). The university also plans to approach the Cyber Police Station to trace the source of the paper and establish whether the material circulating was genuine.
University To Verify Authenticity Of Alleged Leak
According to Dr Nayak, the university has received information about the alleged leak through unverified sources. Officials will first establish whether the question paper being circulated was authentic.
The investigation will also seek to determine which examination subjects, if any, were affected.
Dr Nayak said no conclusion can be reached until the university verifies the material and traces its source through the appropriate investigative channels.
“If the investigation confirms that the question papers were actually leaked, the examinations concerned will be conducted again,” he said.
The university has also indicated that strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible after the investigation establishes the facts.
Cyber Police Assistance To Trace Source
The university is expected to file a complaint with the Cyber Police Station as part of the investigation.
Cyber officials will assist in examining the digital trail and determining how the alleged question paper may have been obtained or circulated.
The university authorities will also examine the entire chain of question-paper handling to identify whether any procedural lapse occurred.
Question Papers Sent To Colleges In Sealed Condition
Dr Nayak explained that the university follows a prescribed procedure for distributing examination papers.
According to the Controller of Examinations, question papers are sent from the university to affiliated colleges in sealed condition.
The sealed packets are opened at the examination centres shortly before the examination begins. Dr Nayak said that the papers are normally opened around 30 minutes before the scheduled examination.
The inquiry will therefore examine the different stages of the process to establish where the alleged security breach, if confirmed, could have occurred.
Re-Examination If Leak Confirmed
The university has indicated that a re-examination will be conducted for affected papers if the investigation establishes that the question papers were genuinely leaked.
The decision will be based on the findings of the inquiry and verification of the authenticity of the material that was reportedly circulated.
Officials will also determine the scope of the alleged leak and identify the examinations that may have been affected.
Utkal University Examination Security Under Scrutiny
The allegation has raised questions about the security of examination papers and the integrity of the examination process at the university.
However, university authorities have stressed that the reports are yet to be authenticated.
Dr Nayak said the varsity will first establish the authenticity and source of the alleged leaked paper before taking further action.
The investigation, involving university authorities and cyber police, is expected to provide clarity on whether an actual question paper leak occurred and, if so, how the material reached outside the authorised examination system.
