Karnataka Police Crack Down on SSLC Exam Paper Leak Network
In a significant development, Karnataka police have taken swift action against an exam paper leak operation. They arrested six teachers and detained two minor students. This case involves the unauthorized sale of SSLC preparatory examination question papers.
Social Media Ads Led to Paper Sales
The police revealed that students posted open advertisements on social media platforms. These ads offered question papers for sale. Interested buyers contacted sellers through private messages. The papers reportedly sold for amounts ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 500. Some transactions may have involved even higher sums.
Authorities received a formal complaint from examination officials on January 6. The complaint stemmed from information about the leak circulating on social media. This prompted the police to launch an immediate investigation.
Teachers from Multiple Districts Involved
The arrested teachers hail from Kalaburagi, Tumakuru, and Ramanagara districts. One of those arrested holds the position of headmaster. The Bengaluru North Division Cyber Crime police unit is leading the probe. They aim to uncover the full extent of the network and identify any additional participants.
Officials explained that the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board distributes question papers electronically. Schools receive them through secure login IDs. Headmasters and senior teachers typically have access to these credentials. Investigators suspect that individuals misused this access to download and leak the papers.
KSEAB Announces 2026 Exam Schedule
Amid this scandal, the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board has released its exam timetable for 2026. The schedule covers SSLC and PUC examinations.
SSLC Exam 1 for Class 10 students will run from March 18 to April 2, 2025. Exams will occur in a single daily shift from 10:00 AM to 1:15 PM. The first language paper kicks off the series, while core subjects conclude it.
SSLC Exam 2 follows from May 18 to May 25, 2025. It maintains the same timing pattern, starting with first language and ending with JTS subjects.
PUC Exam 2 for Class 12 is scheduled from April 25 to May 9, 2025. These exams will also use a single shift from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Kannada and Arabic papers begin the session. Subjects like Hindustani Music, Electronics, and Information Technology wrap it up.
Relaxed Passing Criteria Introduced
The Board has proposed significant changes to passing requirements. They aim to reduce the overall passing criteria from 35% to 33%. A draft notification suggests lowering the minimum subject-wise passing mark from 35% to 30%. It also introduces an overall pass requirement of 33% average marks. This average combines internal and external assessment scores.
Police continue their investigation to determine all roles in the leak. They are exploring possibilities of a larger network operating behind the scenes. The case highlights ongoing challenges in securing examination processes against malpractice.
