Patna: In Bihar. Known for its track record of grooming ranking IAS and IPS officials. There’s a growing concern, about the prevalence of organized exam paper leaks being linked to the states system. Many students striving for success in exams are facing the recurring issue of leaked question papers causing setbacks for numerous candidates. The latest controversy involves the cancellation of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam at a test center in Patna due, to protests regarding alleged irregularities. Experts think this is the beginning of a series of exam related fraud incidents that have troubled the state for the ten years.
Since 2012, up to now as revealed by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Manvejeet Singh Dhillon of the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) there have been investigations, into 10 paper leak incidents resulting in an impressive total of 545 arrests made thus far with 249 individuals formally charged. Underscoring the extensive reach and intricate nature of these operations. State level examinations such, as the BPSC test and recruitment processes for teachers and police constables have experienced instances where exam questions have been leaked hours before they are given to the candidates officially. Days, in advance.
Scandals involving leaked papers have surfaced throughout history
Over the years corruption has been, on the rise showcasing an examination of scandals that deserve attention.
In 2017 the Bihar Police Constable Recruitment Exam got called off due, to leaked papers; an FIR named twenty one individuals involved including two scholars.
In both 2019 and 2021 the Bihar Police Recruitment Exam faced issues with leaks which were significantly addressed through the apprehension of Rajesh Kumar who was revealed as the mastermind, behind the scheme and worked as an assistant, in the Agriculture Department.
In 2022 there was a case where the question paper, for the BPSC 67th Preliminary Test got leaked which resulted in 21 people being charged with a crime.It gained attention nationwide due, to its obviousness.
In 2023 various exams, like the Amin Recruitment Exam and another one organized by the Central Selection Board of Constables had to be called off because the exam papers were leaked beforehand.
In 2024 there were instances of information leaks, in the state causing quite a stir among the public and authorities alike. The scandal involving the leak of the UG exam paper created uproar across the country and was found to have links to Bihar. Following an investigation by the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) a total of 67 individuals were apprehended in connection to this incident. Furthermore the recruitment exams for teachers witnessed a number of arrests totaling 285 individuals due, to leak related offenses. Moreover the integrity of the Community Health Officer (CHO) exam was compromised well result in g in g the detention of 36 individuals involved in malpractices.
Unveiling the Operational Methods of the Mob
It has been found through investigations that there is an organized mafia operating in Bihar and extending its influence, to states in India such as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. These criminal groups have insider knowledge about the printing, storage and delivery of exam papers. They exploit this information by selling papers to candidates for sums of money sometimes in return, for hundreds of thousands or even millions of rupees. DIG Dhillon characterized the exam fraud sector in Bihar as an enterprise fueled by corruption and collaboration, among insiders out of desperation.
An Impact of Great Significance
The continuous flow of leaked exam papers has shattered the confidence of hopefuls, in Bihar. Every canceled or tampered test means that the effort put in for months or even years is wasted. For applicants facing corruption issues hits at the heart of their aspirations for securing government positions or achieving success, in higher education endeavors.
With, than 545 arrests and ongoing official inquiries for a span of 12 years the system continues to struggle with leaks. Professionals and students are calling for rules improved technology and responsibility across all stages of the examination process in order to regain trust, in the states integrity.
The Economic Offences Unit has promised to ramp up their inquiries and implement measures to stop occurrences; however the issue of paper leaks still looms over Bihars exam system integrity.
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