Bihar’s Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU) has postponed its internal examinations following the recovery of critical exam materials from a hostel room at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH). The discovery included burnt OMR sheets, multiple admit cards, and Rs 2.75 lakh in cash, raising suspicions of a potential paper leak. 

 

Seized OMR sheets, admit cards, and cash displayed on a table during an investigation into an alleged exam paper leak at Patna Medical College and Hospital


Key Details of the Seizure  

Authorities uncovered these materials in the Chanakya Hostel of PMCH. The room, reportedly occupied by former PMCH student Ajay Kumar Singh, also contained a mobile phone, SIM card, and a liquor bottle. Police revealed that Ajay, a resident of Samastipur, had been living in the hostel since 2016, even after completing his MCh in plastic surgery in 2022.  


"We found burnt currency notes worth Rs 2.75 lakh in denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 100, 40 admit cards, 30 OMR sheets of MBBS exams, and other incriminating items," stated Mohammed Abdul Halim, in-charge of Patna’s Pirbahore Police Station.  


Exam Postponed Amid Investigation  

The AKU internal exams, initially scheduled for January 12, have now been pushed to January 16. This decision comes as the university investigates whether the seized materials are linked to a broader malpractice network. AKU’s Controller of Examinations, Rajeev Ranjan, confirmed that an independent inquiry is underway to ascertain the extent of the issue.  


Possible Links to NEET UG Paper Leak  

The incident echoes last year’s NEET UG paper leak, which implicated Bihar as the epicenter of the scandal. Investigations revealed widespread malpractice during the exam held on May 5, 2024, leading to the arrest of 45 individuals. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues to probe the case, and Patna Police are investigating if Ajay Kumar Singh had any involvement in the NEET UG leak.  

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Immediate Actions Taken  

Following the discovery, PMCH principal Dr. Vidyapati Choudhary formed a three-member committee to investigate the matter. Meanwhile, the university is coordinating with authorities to ensure transparency and prevent further disruptions in the examination process.  


Broader Implications  

Exam-related malpractices not only jeopardize the credibility of educational institutions but also undermine the trust of students. Authorities in Bihar have been under increasing pressure to address such issues, especially after multiple instances of leaks in high-stakes examinations like NEET.  


 Conclusion  

As AKU and law enforcement intensify their investigations, the postponement of the internal exams underscores the gravity of the situation. Ensuring accountability and implementing stringent anti-malpractice measures will be key to restoring confidence in the state’s examination system.