The Odisha government has cancelled the Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM) examination after allegations of a major question paper leak surfaced just hours before the test. The decision was confirmed by the Directorate of Medical Education and Training (DMET) on Friday, triggering widespread concern among students, parents, and healthcare training institutions across the state.
The controversy erupted when Congress MLA CS Raazen Ekka raised a point of order in the Assembly during a discussion on unemployment. Ekka informed the House that the ANM written test question paper had allegedly been leaked around 11 am, nearly three hours before the scheduled exam at 2 pm.
According to Ekka, the alleged leak surfaced in Malkangiri and Bolangir districts, where second-year ANM students were preparing to take the exam. Soon after the news spread, anxiety and frustration took over exam centres, with candidates reporting early circulation of the paper on social media and local networks. Parents and guardians also expressed deep disappointment, questioning how such a sensitive exam could be compromised so easily.
Exam Leak Sparks Anger Across Districts in Odisha
As the report circulated, students of Odisha who had been preparing for months reacted with disbelief and anger. Many candidates said that incidents like these not only disrupt academic preparation but also diminish trust in the state’s examination systems. For aspiring healthcare workers—especially those pursuing ANM as a gateway to frontline medical service—fair, transparent exams are essential.
Parents of Odisha, too, demanded accountability from the authorities. Several questioned whether enough safeguards were in place during the printing, distribution, and monitoring process. Some even called for a formal probe into the leak, citing the growing frequency of exam-related irregularities in various states.
The Assembly, already engaged in discussions about the rising unemployment situation, quickly shifted its focus to the ANM exam controversy. Legislators debated the larger implications of such incidents at a time when healthcare infrastructure requires steady, well-trained manpower.
State Govt Responds: ANM Exam Cancelled Immediately
Shortly after the issue was raised, Prof. Santosh Mishra, Director of Medical Education and Training (DMET), confirmed that the exam had been cancelled. He told PTI that authorities had acted swiftly to prevent further damage and maintain the credibility of the evaluation process.
A fresh examination schedule will be announced once the matter is reviewed thoroughly, he added. The cancellation aims to ensure a level playing field for every candidate, though the delay may cause temporary distress.
Sources within the Health and Family Welfare Department suggested that the government might establish a committee to investigate the source of the leak. Officials are also likely to tighten security protocols around question paper handling and distribution.
Why ANM Exams Matter
The ANM examination is a crucial gateway for students aiming to become frontline healthcare workers in government and private institutions. Auxiliary Nurse Midwives play a critical role in:
- maternal and child health
- community health programmes
- vaccination drives
- primary healthcare delivery
- rural outreach and patient support
Given Odisha’s ongoing push to strengthen rural healthcare, the integrity of entrance and certification exams becomes even more important.
Recurring Concerns Over Exam Integrity in Odisha and other states
Paper leaks have been a recurring issue in several states, prompting national-level debates about examination security. From teacher recruitment tests to medical and nursing exams, irregularities often derail academic calendars and cause emotional distress for lakhs of candidates.
Experts believe that with increasing digital dependency and wider access to technology, question paper leaks have become harder to prevent unless robust encrypted distribution and multi-layer security systems are implemented.
Odisha’s latest episode has once again spotlighted the need for modern, tech-driven exam management systems.
What Happens Next?
Candidates will now have to wait for fresh examination dates from DMET. While the cancellation protects fairness, students may face delays in academic progress and future postings.
Many hope the government will:
- announce a new schedule quickly
- issue guidelines to prevent future leaks
- take strict action against those involved
- increase transparency in the investigation
As of now, no arrests or official inquiry announcements have been made, but pressure continues to mount on the administration to act decisively.
For thousands of ANM students, the cancellation is disappointing, but they also view it as necessary to ensure fairness. Most are now waiting for the state to reconduct the exam under stronger security measures.
Conclusion
The Odisha ANM exam leak has sparked fresh debate on exam security at a time when the healthcare system needs skilled workers the most. While the immediate cancellation protects fairness, it also raises urgent questions about accountability and the safeguarding of academic processes. As the government prepares for a fresh exam cycle, students and parents are hoping for stricter systems, quicker decisions, and full transparency.
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