CBSE Knew of Attempts to Gain Access to Papers, but Did They Act?

If CBSE knew that “some elements” were trying to illegally gain access to question papers, did it inform the cops?

CBSE had warned all examination centres about “some elements” trying to deceive them into sharing copies of question papers.

(Photo: Meghnad Bose/The Quint)

Ten days before the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class XII Accounts paper was allegedly leaked on WhatsApp and social media, the board had warned all examination centres about “some elements” trying to deceive them into sharing copies of question papers.

In light of the alleged paper leak, this circular by the CBSE assumes greater significance and poses certain worrisome questions to the board.

Attempts Made to Gain Access to Question Papers: CBSE

This is a circular addressed by the CBSE to all examination centres on 4 March 2018. It has been uploaded on the official CBSE website: http://cbse.nic.in.

It has been observed that some elements are writing to some of the examination centres and asking for the copies of question paper for verification. Such elements are sending text messages in the name of the undersigned using mail id [e-mail]. As you are aware that the Board does not ask for any copies of the administered question paper from its examination centres. Therefore, all the Examination Centres located in the country and abroad, are hereby intimated that such mails are frivolous and need not be responded or attended to. They are further directed not to send copies of any question paper and maintain the sanctity of the examination. In case of any need/exigency, the undersigned would directly contact the centres.

K K Choudhary, CBSE Controller of Examinations

CBSE circular dated 4 March 2018.(Photo: CBSE)

Questions CBSE Needs to Answer

The circular shows that the CBSE had come to find out that “some elements” were attempting to impersonate the Controller of Examinations and thereby gain access to question papers. The presence of this circular, dated ten days before the alleged leak, therefore raises a few key questions.

1. Did the alleged leak of the CBSE Class XII Accounts paper happen in a manner similar to that described in the circular?
2. Apart from uploading this letter on the CBSE's website, was a copy of the letter actually sent to each CBSE examination centre? Was each centre made aware of the threat being posed by the entity posing as [e-mail]?
3. If the CBSE had come to know of efforts being made by "some elements" to illegally gain access to question papers, did the board inform the police and lodge a complaint, seek an investigation?

The Quint has reached out to the CBSE for a response to these questions. This article will be updated as and when they reply.

CBSE Denies Paper Leak, But Questions Remain

The CBSE has issued an official statement denying the paper leak. Rama Sharma, Senior Public Relations Officer for the CBSE, wrote:

“This is with reference to the alleged leakage of the CBSE Class XII Accountancy Paper conducted today.

1. There has been no leakage of the question paper. All the seals have been found intact at all the Exam centres.

2. During the process of Examination, however, at local level, some miscreants have tried to play mischief by circulating messages through whatsapp and other social media to disturb the sanctity of examinations.

3. CBSE has decided to take strict action against such activities. FIR is being lodged by CBSE today.”

Regardless of whether the CBSE Class XII Accounts paper was leaked or not, the question that remains is whether the CBSE conducted due diligence after finding out that efforts were underway to illegally gain access to the question papers?

The board went so far as to write a circular to all the examination centres on 4 March asking them to be wary of impersonators, especially those sending text messages in the name of the Controller of Examinations using mail id [e-mail]. But did the CBSE follow up on this threat by filing a police complaint? Did the board begin an internal probe on the same?

These are questions that the CBSE will have to come forth and answer. Else, the cloud of suspicion surrounding this incident is unlikely to go away anytime soon.