Exam put off after question paper leak in Thiruvananthapuram

The final year Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) theory paper part II-Aesthetics examination has been postponed following the inadvertent opening of question papers meant for Friday on Thursday at the College of Fine Arts here.

The examination was cancelled following an inspection from a team from the Controller of Examinations on Friday, who found unsealed bundles of question papers. Following this, the examination at this college and Raja Ravi Varma College of Fine Arts, Mavelikara, under the University of Kerala was cancelled.

Speaking to

The Hindu , Controller of Examinations K. Madhu Kumar said the team had found the bundles unsealed and opened long before the scheduled time, which is half-an-hour before the examination.

Anonymous call

“Based on an anonymous call received at the university, the team visited the college. The Principal’s room was opened in the presence of the inspection team and unsealed bundles were seized. If the bundle was opened by mistake on Thursday, the matter should have been immediately reported to the university,” he said.

Version of college

The officials at the college claimed that it was not reported to the university as the paper was seen only by the four invigilators.

“The papers were not leaked to the students and were immediately repacked and locked to safety. Since it was the final year examination, cancellation of examination would defer their results further, which could affect the future plans of many students for higher studies. Hence, this decision was taken,” said an official.

There is violation of guidelines for the conduct of exams. The case had been reported to the Vice Chancellor and further decision on disciplinary action would be taken at the Syndicate meeting, Mr. Kumar said.