An inquiry committee at Allahabad University has directed a student to submit a written explanation over allegations of concealing her previous academic records to secure a fresh undergraduate admission. The student, Soumya Kotarya, has been asked to present her clarification to the Proctor's office by December 22, 2025.
Details of the Alleged Concealment
The committee was formed after it emerged that Soumya Kotarya, daughter of Ramesh Chandra Kotarya, allegedly hid material facts during her admission to the Bachelor of Arts (BA) First Year programme for the 2025–2026 session. She secured admission on the university's main campus using enrollment number U2521423 by submitting a second copy of a Transfer Certificate from Motilal Nehru Inter College.
However, investigations revealed a different academic history. Records show she had previously used the original Transfer Certificate from the same college in 2018 to join Jagat Taran Girls Degree College, an affiliated institution of Allahabad University. There, she completed a BA degree (2018–2021) in Sociology, Political Science, and Ancient History. She then pursued a Master's degree (MA) in Philosophy (2021–2023) directly at Allahabad University.
Multiple University Rules Prima Facie Violated
Despite holding both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, Kotarya sought admission again in 2025 to a BA programme with Hindi, Medieval History, and Education as subjects. The preliminary probe concluded she prima facie violated several key university provisions:
- Rule 1(a) of Schedule XXIV (Code of Conduct for Students): Mandates compliance with all university acts, ordinances, and institutional rules.
- Rule 5(H) of the General Admission Rules (LII): States that a candidate holding a bachelor's degree is not eligible for another undergraduate programme, unless it is a course exclusively designed for graduates.
- Rule 4 of the Allahabad University Students' Discipline and Proper Conduct Rules, 2023: Prohibits tampering with university records, forgery, and misuse of official documents.
Next Steps and Potential Consequences
In light of these findings, the inquiry committee has demanded a written explanation from Soumya Kotarya. She must clarify why she took such actions and provide reasons why her admission should not be cancelled under Rule 5(L) of the General Admission Rules (LII).
The university has stated that further action will be determined after considering her response, which must be submitted by the December 22 deadline. This case highlights the strict adherence to academic integrity and procedural rules expected within the institution.
