Lapse during BEd exam in Shivamogga; Kuvempu University reschedules exam

Kuvempu University on Thursday postponed the Bachelor of Education (BEd) examination scheduled for the afternoon session after the sealed packet containing the question papers was opened and distributed to students during the morning session at an examination centre in a private college.

The “Philosophical and Sociological Bases of Education” paper for the first semester was scheduled for the afternoon session. However, the sealed packet containing the question papers was opened during the morning session of the examination, scheduled for third-semester students, and the papers were distributed to students.

On learning of the lapse, the University’s Registrar (Evaluation) immediately postponed the examination and rescheduled it for August 12. The university also relieved the college principal of her examination responsibilities. The incident at a single examination centre, however, affected nearly 1,400 B.Ed. students across the University, who will now have to appear for the rescheduled examination.

Speaking to The Hindu on Friday, R. Thimmarayappa, Registrar (Evaluation), said the question paper meant for the afternoon session had been opened and distributed during the morning session. “The principal of Mytri College of Education in Shivamogga was serving as the Chief Superintendent of the examination centre. The sealed question paper packets are kept in the custody of the Chief Superintendent and are to be opened only at the prescribed time in the presence of a senior faculty member and a university-appointed observer. However, the packet was opened well in advance, and the question papers were distributed to students. As soon as the matter came to our notice, we postponed the afternoon examination,” he said.

Following the incident, the university relieved Shalini J., Principal of Mytri College of Education, of her responsibilities as Chief Superintendent of the examination centre. She has been replaced by Santosh Kumar M.J., Assistant Professor of the same college, as the new Chief Superintendent.