Bhubaneswar: Barely months after the uproar over the alleged NEET‑UG paper leak, a similar controversy has jolted Odisha’s premier Utkal University. Question papers from the ongoing Plus III second‑semester examinations reportedly surfaced on WhatsApp a day before the scheduled tests, raising serious concerns about exam integrity.
The examinations, which began on September 12 and are being held across nearly 300 affiliated colleges from 10 am to 1 pm, now face scrutiny over transparency and security lapses.
Utkal University’s Controller of Examinations, Dr Hrushikesh Nayak, confirmed the leak and announced a probe under the leadership of the Vice‑Chancellor. The university will also lodge a complaint with the Cyber Police Station to verify the authenticity of the leaked papers and trace their source.
“A detailed investigation will be conducted to determine which subjects’ papers were leaked and how they reached students before the examinations. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible,” Nayak said.
Officials explained that question papers are sealed at the university and dispatched to colleges, where they are meant to be opened only 30 minutes before the exam. The probe will examine whether this procedure was breached and identify the point of failure.
The incident has reignited debate over the robustness of exam security in India’s higher education system. With the investigation underway, students and faculty await clarity on how such a breach occurred — and whether systemic reforms will follow.