Campus Times | Lucknow

Serious questions have emerged over the security of student information after several websites were reportedly found selling databases linked to school students and competitive exam aspirants across India. Among the listings highlighted online, data of Uttar Pradesh Class 12 students was allegedly being offered for around ₹4,000.

The databases are claimed to contain personal information such as students’ names, mobile numbers and, in some cases, parents’ details, raising concerns over how such sensitive data may have reached the public domain.

Websites offer student records at fixed prices

According to allegations shared by entrepreneur Maheshwar Peri on X, websites including studentsdatabases.com, studentdataprovider.com and studentdatabaseindia.com are openly advertising student databases linked to various examinations and coaching categories.

The reported listings suggest that Bengaluru CBSE 2025–26 student data is available for ₹999, while Tamil Nadu CBSE student records are priced at ₹1,499. Data related to pre-medical coaching aspirants is allegedly being sold for ₹1,999.

Meanwhile, records of nearly two lakh Bihar students and Uttar Pradesh Class 12 students were reportedly listed for ₹4,000 each. A database containing details of more than four lakh Delhi Class 12 students was allegedly available for ₹5,000. Andhra Pradesh POLYCET 2026-related data was among the most expensive listings, reportedly priced at ₹4,999.

NEET, JEE aspirants also reportedly targeted

Beyond school-level records, the websites are said to offer access to databases linked to major entrance examinations, including NEET, JEE and XAT. Some portals allegedly claim to provide contact details of engineering and medical aspirants, making such information available through online transactions and messaging platforms such as WhatsApp.

The allegations have sparked fears that student information could be exploited for aggressive marketing, spam campaigns or other forms of misuse.

E-Commerce-style sale of personal information

One of the most striking aspects of the claims is the manner in which the data is reportedly being sold. The websites allegedly display databases with pricing, category-wise listings and an “Add to Cart” feature similar to e-commerce platforms.

Peri claimed that one portal alone was offering around 540 different databases covering students from various states, examinations and coaching segments, making large-scale access to personal information appear alarmingly easy.

How did the data reach these platforms?

While the source of the databases remains unverified, experts have repeatedly warned that educational data can be exposed through cyberattacks, insecure storage systems, third-party vendors or insider leaks.

Peri alleged that weak data protection mechanisms and possible unauthorised access may be contributing to the circulation of student records online. However, no official agency has yet confirmed the authenticity or origin of the datasets being advertised.

Recent incidents highlight security risks

The allegations surface amid growing concerns about cybersecurity in the education sector. Recently, a 16-year-old cybersecurity researcher flagged vulnerabilities in an examination re-evaluation portal, warning that sensitive information related to users, examination centres and officials could potentially be exposed.

In a separate incident, Dubai-based cybersecurity researcher Rylen Anil claimed that applicant data linked to JEE Advanced 2026 may have been exposed due to a cloud storage configuration issue. IIT Roorkee later acknowledged the issue and said corrective measures were being taken on priority.