UP Board Chemistry Exam Tampering Case: 42 Answer Booklets Under Scrutiny in Prayagraj
A serious case of suspected answer booklet tampering has surfaced during the evaluation of Uttar Pradesh Board chemistry examination papers, originating from Pt Anant Ram Pandey Inter College in Karchhana, Prayagraj. This center was among those whose answer booklets were routed for assessment at an evaluation center in western Uttar Pradesh, where the irregularities were first detected.
Discrepancies in Handwriting and Language Raise Red Flags
Evaluators examining the chemistry papers discovered alarming inconsistencies in 42 out of 286 answer booklets. The primary concern involves differences in handwriting between the main 'A' booklet and the supplementary 'B' sheets. The pattern suggests that 'B' sheets may have been written outside the examination hall and later attached to the original scripts.
Specific irregularities identified include:
- Answers initially written in the 'A' booklet were struck off and rewritten in different handwriting in the 'B' booklet
- Some responses were reattempted in English, indicating a change in language and writing style that didn't match the candidate's original script
- Inconsistent signatures of invigilators on the 'A' and 'B' booklets
Immediate Investigation Ordered by Board Authorities
The issue was first flagged by a deputy controller at a western district evaluation center, who submitted a detailed report to the chief controller seeking guidance for further action. The report emphasized that such discrepancies could seriously compromise the sanctity of the examination process.
Taking immediate cognizance, UP Board Secretary Bhagwati Singh has directed that all suspicious answer booklets be deposited immediately at the regional office in Prayagraj for expert screening. He has also ordered an intensive scrutiny of answer booklets with the same roll numbers in other subjects to identify any wider pattern of tampering.
Comprehensive Investigation Measures Implemented
The district inspector of schools for Prayagraj, PN Singh, has been instructed to take custody of CCTV recordings from all examination rooms at the center. Additionally, he has been tasked with verifying the exact timeline of when answer booklets reached the collection center and cross-checking invigilation duty records to determine whether proper procedures were followed according to established norms.
The board has decided to issue appreciation certificates to evaluation officials who detected and reported the anomaly, encouraging vigilance among all staff involved in the assessment process.
Current Evaluation Status Across Uttar Pradesh
Meanwhile, evaluation of answer booklets continues at 254 centers across the state, with completion scheduled by April 1. Secretary Singh had previously ordered suspension of evaluation on March 26 due to the Ram Navami public holiday. Following a fresh government notification declaring March 27 as a holiday as well, evaluation has now been paused for two days and will resume on March 28.
On Wednesday alone, 80,462 examiners evaluated 18.96 lakh High School and 14.95 lakh Intermediate answer copies. Notably, Bulandshahr district has already completed its evaluation work ahead of schedule.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining examination integrity and the importance of robust monitoring systems during both the conduct and evaluation phases of major board examinations.
