MBBS exam scam at Rohtak varsity raises alarm over academic integrity
The exam scam reported at Pt BD Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak (UHSR), has not only exposed serious fraudulent means adopted by MBBS students with the help of employees for securing passing marks in a highly sensitive academic programme, but also raised grave concerns about the credibility and integrity of the institution’s examination system. While the UHSR administration has taken swift initial action, the matter is currently under investigation by the district police, with further developments awaited.
What is the MBBS scam?
The scam relates to the annual and supplementary MBBS examinations at the UHSR, where answer sheets were allegedly tampered with post-examination to help students secure passing marks — with the involvement of university staff. The matter gained further traction after a video surfaced, allegedly showing students rewriting their answer sheets in the presence of a UHSR employee, lending strong visual evidence to the malpractice.
What was the modus operandi of racketeers?
The scam involved students rewriting their answer sheets outside the university campus, particularly at an employee’s residence. They used erasable ink pens to write their answers, which could be erased using hair dryers, allowing them to replace original responses with those copied from textbooks. Students allegedly paid between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 5 lakh per subject for this assistance.
What actions have been taken by UHSR so far?
Upon investigation, the UHSR recommended the registration of an FIR against 41 individuals — 24 students and 17 employees. The Controller of Examination was relieved of his duties. Six regular staff members were suspended and two others were dismissed. Additionally, services of nine outsourced staff members were terminated.
Who are involved in the scandal?
The scam implicated 24 MBBS students from a private college and 17 employees of the UHSR, including regular staff and outsourced personnel. A police probe is also ascertaining the role of other persons, if any, in the scandal.
How many arrests have been made so far?
Three UHSR employees, including Roshan Lal, Rohit and Deepak, have been arrested so far. The police also seized ?6 lakh in cash, a paper-stitching machine and two mobile phones, believed to be connected to the scam, from residence of one of the accused.
What steps have been taken to strengthen exam system?
The UHSR authorities have taken several measures to strengthen its examination system. Observers are now required to submit detailed activity reports to ensure accountability. A three-member panel is reviewing answer sheets from the past five years to detect tampering. Examination centres for all private colleges have been changed. In a major reform, the university has launched an on-the-spot evaluation system and initiated the process of digital marking to prevent post-exam manipulation.
What is the current status?
The investigation is ongoing, with the authorities examining seized materials and continuing to identify additional individuals involved in the malpractice. The university authorities have also committed to taking strict action against all those found guilty.
Chandigarh