Chhattisgarh Board Cancels Class 12 Hindi Exam Following Paper Leak Allegations
The Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education (CGBSE) has taken the drastic step of cancelling the Class 12 Hindi examination after confirmed reports of a question paper leak. The original examination, which was conducted on March 14, has been declared void, and a fresh examination has been scheduled for April 10, 2024.
Immediate Action and Investigation Launched
Board officials moved swiftly upon learning that the Hindi 'Set B' question paper had been circulating on social media platforms and appearing in local news reports on March 15 and 16. Recognizing the seriousness of the security breach, the board filed a formal written complaint with the Cyber Cell and registered a First Information Report (FIR) at the City Kotwali police station in Raipur.
A senior board official stated, "A detailed and impartial investigation is currently underway to identify the precise source of the leak. We are committed to ensuring the integrity of our examination process, and strict disciplinary action will be taken against any individuals found guilty of involvement."
Timeline of the Leak and Examination Committee Decision
The decision to cancel the exam was finalized during a crucial meeting of the board's examination committee held on March 23. Investigations have uncovered that the leaked handwritten question paper, containing 15 questions, began circulating on a Telegram group as early as 11:10 pm on March 13. This was nearly 10 hours before the scheduled examination on March 14.
Alarmingly, the leaked material spread rapidly, reaching over 15,000 students across multiple messaging groups within minutes. Forensic analysis confirmed that all questions in the actual 'Set B' exam paper, including the optional questions, matched the content that had been leaked online.
Rescheduled Examination and Student Guidance
The re-conducted Class 12 Hindi examination will now be held on April 10, 2024, from 9:00 am to 12:15 pm. The board has assured students and parents that all necessary arrangements are being made to ensure the new examination is conducted with enhanced security protocols to prevent any future breaches.
Students and guardians are advised to access the latest official notifications, detailed schedules, and any further updates directly through the board's official website at www.cgbse.nic.in. The board has emphasized its commitment to maintaining transparency and fairness throughout this process.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges educational boards face in securing examination materials in the digital age and underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for academic integrity.
