In the wake of reports claiming paper leaks, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Wednesday, 28 March announced re-examination of the Class 10 mathematics and Class 12 economics exams.
The CBSE issued a circular informing about the re-examination – and said dates and other details for it would be posted on the board's website.
The board has taken cognisance of certain happenings in the conduct of certain examinations as are being reported. With a view to uphold the sanctity of the board examinations and in the interest of fairness to the students, the board has decided to re-conduct the examinations for the following subjects.CBSE circular
Delhi Police Registers Case in Class 12 Economics Paper Leak Matter
Delhi Police's crime branch began investigating the alleged leak of class 12 Economics paper after registering a case in the matter, an official told PTI. On Monday, panic had gripped students of class 12 following claims on social media that the economics paper had been leaked even though the CBSE had denied there was any slip up.
Alok Kumar, joint commissioner of police, crime, confirmed a case was registered following a complaint by the board. Another officer privy to the probe said the case has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including cheating.
Reports about the question paper being leaked had circulated on social media – including via WhatsApp – several hours before the paper commenced. The CBSE, however, denied any leak and urged students and parents not to panic.
We have checked with all examination centres and the paper was not leaked. The source of circulation of this information is not known yet. We want to urge the students and parents to not panic and assure them that the board is doing its best to ensure sanctity of the examination.Senior CBSE official
A similar incident occurred on March 15, when the Delhi government had said that it had received complaints of the Class 12 CBSE accountancy paper being leaked. A probe was later ordered even though the board had denied any leak.
Internal Inquiry Into CBSE Leaks: Prakash Javadekar
Soon after the CBSE announced re-examination, HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said the government was conducting an internal inquiry into reports claiming that the CBSE Class 10 mathematics and Class 12 economics papers had been leaked.
He said he was "saddened" by reports that the papers had leaked. He asserted that he was confident that the police would investigate and nab the culprits.
A new system would be put in place from Monday to ensure no leaks take place, Javadekar said.
The CBSE had a solid system in place. But if someone is leaking it or there is some loophole in it, taking that into consideration, a new system will be put in place from Monday which will ensure there is no such leakage.Prakash Javadekar
"This I want to assure parents and students. I am confident that police will investigate and nab the culprits," the minister told reporters.
The government will, with the help of technology, put in place a system "which is so foolproof that there is no leak", Javadekar said, adding that his ministry is also conducting an internal probe.
The Cabinet has approved for the National Testing Agency to come into effect from next year to ensure leak-proof examination.Prakash Javadekar
According to reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Javadekar – and conveyed his unhappiness over the CBSE examination paper leak issue. "This is an issue which is very important for him," he said.
A total of 11.86 lakh students have taken the class 12 board exams this year, while 16.38 class 10 students sat for the exam.
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)