Tezzbuzz Desk – The debate over paper leaks in the country had not yet subsided when a case of alleged paper leak in the postgraduate medical examination in Odisha came to light. Images of the question paper for the MD/MS General Surgery examination conducted by the Odisha University of Health Sciences (OUHS) allegedly went viral on the social media platform WhatsApp. Following the incident, the university has launched an investigation, although no decision has been taken to cancel the examination.
According to reports, the matter pertains to the MD/MS General Surgery exam for the 2023-26 batch, held on July 27. It is alleged that images of the question paper were shared in a WhatsApp group just minutes after the exam began. Initial investigations indicate that the images were sent from MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.
How did the matter come to light?
Suspicions of a paper leak arose when photos of the question paper for an exam at a private medical college in Bhubaneswar surfaced. Students claim that these photos were shared in a WhatsApp group allegedly created by a student at MKCG Medical College. Some students also alleged that the answers to the questions were being shared through certain mobile numbers during the exam.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that images of the question paper were leaked to the examination centers just minutes after it was distributed, raising questions about the secrecy and security of the exam.
The university launched an investigation
After the matter came to light, the Odisha University of Health Sciences ordered an immediate investigation. The purpose of the investigation is to determine how the question paper images reached outside the examination center and whether any candidates gained unfair advantage.
Dr. Harekrishna Dalai, Dean-cum-Principal of MKCG Medical College, stated that the incident occurred during an examination on July 27th, and preliminary information suggests the question paper was shared outside the college. He added that the entire matter is being investigated seriously and necessary action will be taken against those responsible.
Discussion held in the Vice Chancellor’s meeting
According to Dr. Dalai, on July 28th, the Vice Chancellor of OUHS convened a high-level meeting regarding this matter. At the meeting, a medical college informed that one of its students had reportedly admitted that the viral question paper originated from MKCG Medical College. Based on this input, the investigation is being carried forward.
Decision on security arrangements and examination
The university administration stated that additional security measures have been implemented to prevent such incidents during the remaining exams. Surveillance at examination centers has been increased and new arrangements have been put in place to ensure confidentiality.
However, no official decision has been made yet regarding canceling or rescheduling the exam. The university has stated that further action will be decided only after the investigation report is received. The investigation into the matter is currently underway, and the administration is working to determine who is responsible for the paper leak.