Campus Times | Lucknow

In a major setback to the examination system of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), the university has cancelled the BTech Computer Science sixth semester examination for the Computer Networks subject after an alleged question paper leak came to light. The incident is being described as the first major paper leak controversy in the university’s semester examination history.

The examination was conducted on May 21 across multiple centres. However, suspicion arose after invigilators at a Noida examination centre recovered handwritten slips containing answers that reportedly matched several questions from the official paper.

The matter escalated further when a student was allegedly found carrying a mobile phone containing the complete question paper before the examination process was completed. Mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside examination halls, raising serious concerns over how the paper reached students in advance.

Digital access under scanner

According to AKTU’s preliminary investigation, question papers are uploaded online to affiliated colleges around 30 to 40 minutes before the examination. The papers become accessible only after decryption through authorised institutional logins.

Investigators now suspect that login credentials of a college examination centre were compromised or misused to illegally access and circulate the paper before the exam began. Authorities believe students may have prepared cheating material using the leaked questions before reaching the centre.

University officials said initial findings indicate negligence at a Noida-based college that served as an examination centre. The institution’s login ID and password were allegedly used to download and distribute the paper without authorisation.

Exam cancelled, fresh schedule soon

Following confirmation of the leak, AKTU has officially cancelled the Computer Networks examination for BTech Computer Science sixth semester students. A revised examination date and fresh schedule are expected to be announced shortly.

AKTU Examination Controller Prof. Deepak Nagariya said the university has launched a detailed investigation and strict action will be taken against those found responsible. He added that the digital paper distribution mechanism will now be strengthened to prevent similar incidents in future examinations.

Cyber cell, police begin investigation

The seriousness of the breach has prompted the concerned college administration to file complaints with the cyber cell and Noida Police. Investigators are now tracing how the credentials were accessed, who downloaded the paper, and through which channels it was circulated among students.

During the inquiry, officials also found that slips recovered from a student at a Ghaziabad examination centre reportedly contained answers matching a large portion of the original question paper.

In response to the controversy, AKTU Vice-Chancellor Prof. J.P. Pandey constituted a four-member committee headed by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajeev Kumar to conduct a detailed probe into the incident and recommend corrective measures for the university’s examination security system.