Mumbai University Launches Confidential Probe into TY BCom Exam Paper Leak
Mumbai University announced on Tuesday evening that it has initiated an inquiry into serious allegations that question papers for three subjects in its ongoing sixth semester TY BCom examinations were leaked and circulated through a WhatsApp group associated with a private coaching class in the western suburbs.
Allegations of Widespread Leakage
According to sources, the leaked papers include those for cost accounting, business economics, and taxation subjects, with answer keys allegedly being shared in coaching class groups ahead of the scheduled exam dates. The summer session exams are currently in progress, with the TY BCom Semester 6 examinations having commenced on April 9.
The university issued a brief statement confirming that a probe is underway, emphasizing that the process remains confidential. "If anyone is found guilty, appropriate action will be taken as per rules," the statement declared, though specific details about the investigation timeline or methodology were not disclosed.
Incident at Examination Center
On April 15, during the Direct and Indirect Taxes Paper 2 examination, a university squad conducted surprise checks at R D National College in Bandra. During this inspection, six students were discovered in possession of mobile phones, which were immediately confiscated by authorities.
Sources indicate that Mumbai University officials are currently examining the data extracted from these confiscated devices as part of their investigation into the alleged paper leak. However, the university has yet to file a formal police complaint regarding the incident.
Student Protests and Demands
In response to what they perceive as inadequate action, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged protests at the university's Kalina campus on Tuesday. The student organization has raised serious concerns about transparency, noting that:
- No First Information Report (FIR) has been filed with police authorities
- No inquiry report has been made public
- Accountability has not been established for those responsible
The ABVP has presented a list of demands, including:
- Immediate criminal proceedings against those involved in the leak
- Suspension of officials at the concerned examination center
- Cancellation of the compromised examination papers
- Appointment of a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the matter thoroughly
Broader Pattern of Malpractice
Evidence suggests this may not be an isolated incident. A student from an examination center in Bhayandar reported receiving some questions approximately 15 minutes before one of the exams began. Additional allegations have surfaced regarding the circulation of answers to multiple-choice questions shortly before tests, with some students reportedly writing answer options on their hands.
Prashant Mali, the ABVP's Mumbai metropolitan region head, criticized the university's response, stating that while action was taken against the six students at R D National College, the larger issue is "being suppressed by college authorities and the university's examination controller." He has called for cases to be filed against all individuals involved in the alleged malpractice.
The investigation continues as Mumbai University faces mounting pressure to address these serious examination integrity concerns while maintaining the confidentiality of its ongoing probe.
