DEHRADUN: The higher education framework in Uttarakhand is once again facing severe criticism following a shocking paper leak scandal at the Veer Madho Singh Bhandari Uttarakhand Technical University. The university administration was forced to cancel two crucial even semester examinations for the 2025 to 2026 academic session after a professor allegedly leaked a question paper on a popular messaging platform just moments before the test.
An internal inquiry conducted by the university confirmed a blatant breach of confidentiality regarding the Machine Learning for Internet of Things paper, bearing the subject code 1OTT004. The official probe also raised strong suspicions about a potential compromise of the Electromagnetic Field Theory paper, which carries the code ECT043.
According to the preliminary investigation report, the critical task of setting the Machine Learning question paper was entrusted to Ashish Kumar Gupta, who serves as an assistant professor at Shivalik College of Engineering. University authorities allege that questions from this specific paper were widely circulated across student WhatsApp groups and an internal college portal shortly before the examination was scheduled to commence.
Taking swift and decisive action upon these findings, the university administration immediately nullified both examinations to maintain academic integrity. Officials have officially announced that a fresh examination for both the affected subjects will be conducted in the third week of August 2026.
Addressing the gravity of the offense, the university has barred Assistant Professor Ashish Kumar Gupta from participating in any examination related duties for a period of seven years. Furthermore, the administration issued a severe warning to Shivalik College of Engineering. The university reprimanded the institution for its sheer negligence in maintaining the secrecy of the examination process and directed the management to implement strict monitoring systems to prevent future occurrences.
The massive breach has sparked widespread outrage among the student community across the state. The National Students Union of India has launched a fierce protest against the university administration over the gross mismanagement. Student leaders heavily condemned the paper leak, describing it as a direct assault on the future and hard work of honest students. The student political outfit is now demanding a completely impartial investigation into the entire examination ecosystem, stringent legal action against all guilty individuals, and robust systemic changes to safeguard the academic interests of the students.