Plant Pathology Exam Cancelled After Leak Confirmed
The Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV), Raipur, has cancelled the B.Sc Agriculture first-year Plant Pathology examination held on August 7 after a police investigation confirmed that the question paper had been leaked. The decision was taken following the investigation into a separate question paper leak involving the university’s second-year Entomology examination.
The university announced the cancellation after an emergency meeting chaired by Vice Chancellor Dr Girish Chandel. The Plant Pathology examination will now be conducted again in the first week of September.
Entomology Paper Leak Led to Wider Investigation
The Plant Pathology paper leak came to light during an investigation into the August 20 leak of the B.Sc Agriculture second-year Entomology question paper.
The Entomology paper leak resulted in the arrest of a professor and five students from a private college in Durg district, according to officials. During the investigation, police found that the Plant Pathology question paper had also been leaked before its August 7 examination.
The development has raised fresh concerns about examination security and the confidentiality of question papers at affiliated colleges.
Re-Examination Scheduled for September
Students who appeared for the cancelled Plant Pathology examination will have to take the test again. The university has scheduled the re-examination for the first week of September.
The re-test for the leaked Entomology examination is also expected to take place during the same period, officials said.
Students are expected to follow further examination-related instructions issued by IGKV regarding the revised schedule and examination arrangements.
Durg College Faces Action
The university has initiated action against Bharatiya Agricultural College in Durg, alleging that the institution failed to maintain the confidentiality of the examination process.
A notice has been issued to the college, while show-cause notices have also been served on university-appointed observers associated with both the Entomology and Plant Pathology examinations held at the institution.
Officials have also indicated that strict disciplinary action will be taken against students detained by police in connection with the August 20 paper leak.
University Tightens Examination Security
Following the paper leak, IGKV has introduced additional measures to strengthen examination security. Question papers for the August 22 B.Sc examinations were sent to affiliated colleges through password-protected email instead of physical copies.
Under the revised process, papers for the 10 am examination were provided to colleges shortly before the examination began. The same system is being used for subsequent examinations.
The university is also increasing the number of CCTV cameras in its examination department and examination halls at affiliated colleges.
Technology to Be Used to Prevent Future Leaks
IGKV is considering the use of additional technology to improve the confidentiality, transparency and security of its examination system.
The measures come amid growing scrutiny of examination paper security, particularly after multiple incidents involving leaked question papers have disrupted examinations and forced universities to conduct re-tests.
The latest action by IGKV is aimed at preventing further leaks and ensuring that upcoming examinations are conducted under tighter security arrangements.
What Students Should Know
Students who appeared for the B.Sc Agriculture first-year Plant Pathology examination on August 7 will need to appear for the re-examination in September. The university is expected to provide further details regarding the exact date, examination centre and other instructions.
The cancellation has also highlighted the importance of stronger safeguards at affiliated institutions, particularly in the handling and distribution of confidential examination material.