Reports of a question paper leak for the ongoing II PUC (Pre-University Course) Preparatory Examination-1 have caused significant anxiety among students and parents across Karnataka. The Department of Pre-University Education (DPUE) has, however, urged students not to panic, clarifying that the leaked tests are merely practice exams.
FIRs Registered and Statewide Probe Underway
The department has confirmed that two First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed in connection with the alleged leak. These cases were registered in the districts of Shivamogga and Kalaburagi. A formal investigation into the incident is currently in progress.
According to reports from various colleges, the leak has created a wave of uncertainty, with students fearing they might have to retake the exams. The leaked subjects are said to include English and Mathematics, among others, with the issue reported across multiple districts.
DPUE Director's Assurance and Explanation
DPUE Director Bharath S acknowledged that the incident was unfortunate and should not have happened. He sought to allay fears by emphasizing the nature of the compromised test. "Since it is a practice test which aims to prepare the candidates better for the main exam, they need not be anxious about any outcomes," he stated.
He explained that the ongoing preparatory exam is only an exercise to help students face the final board exam, and no marks from this test are considered for their final evaluation. On the question of changing the paper after the leak was discovered, Bharath clarified that officials became aware of the breach only after the examination had commenced in all centers, making a last-minute change impossible.
Parental Concerns and Future Security Measures
The leak has deeply concerned parents. One parent from Dakshina Kannada district revealed that he received the mathematics question paper on a social media platform early on the morning of the exam day. "We do not want such issues to occur in any exam, particularly the main exam," he stressed, voicing a common worry.
In response, Director Bharath assured that fool-proof security arrangements are implemented during the main II PU examination and such issues will not be repeated. He also outlined a systemic change, noting that while preparatory exams were earlier held at the district level, from this academic year, the department plans a centralised system. Under this new plan, question papers will be prepared at the head office and distributed to all districts to enhance security.
Bharath affirmed that strict legal action will be taken against those found responsible for the leak.
Notices Served to Colleges Over Exam Conduct
In a related development in Dakshina Kannada, the DPUE served notices to several private PU colleges that failed to conduct the mandatory Preparatory Exam-1 on January 2. Deputy Director of Pre-University Education (DDPU) H.H. Rajeshwari stated that the colleges which were served notices have responded. They indicated that as they had recently conducted their own preparatory tests, they did not hold the department's exam. These colleges have now planned to conduct the DPUE's preparatory examination in the coming weeks.
