IGIMS Patna MBBS paper leak row: Panel finds irregularities, 2nd semester exam cancelled

Patna: The Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna, has cancelled the 2025 second semester MBBS examinations after an inquiry committee, which was formed to investigate the allegations of question paper leaks and answer sheet manipulation in MBBS and postgraduate final-year exams, found irregularities in the conduct of the exams.

The institute has issued show-cause notices to the Dean, staff members of the Examinations Section, and some students and has also decided to make a major reshuffle in the Examination Committee.

The action has been taken after the internal inquiry acknowledged irregularities in the examination process. Based on the findings, the administration has initiated departmental action and made changes in the examination branch.

Also read- Inquiry ordered in MBBS, PG exams question paper leak row at IGIMS Patna

As part of the restructuring, Dr Anju Singh, Dr Vinod Kumar, and Dr Sarita Mishra have been given additional charge as Sub-Dean (Exams), while several staff members are being transferred from the section, reports Dainik Bhaskar. 

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the incident came to light on March 13, when an anonymous email flagged irregularities in the examination process. Despite the allegations, no immediate action was taken. It was only after about 28 days that the acting director-cum-Dean (Academics), Dr Om Kumar, constituted a four-member panel. The committee was formed under the leadership of acting director-cum-Dean (Academics), Dr Om Kumar. The panel is headed by Dr Sanjay Kumar, Head of the PSM department, with Dr Gyan Bhaskar and Dr Ashwini as members. 

The alleged malpractice involved large sums of money, with separate rates reportedly fixed for leaking question papers and manipulating answer sheets, and for getting answer sheets written externally and later adjusted within the system.

Preliminary inputs suggest that CCTV footage from the examination branch has captured suspicious activities, including unusual movement of candidates at odd hours. 

Although the panel was asked to submit its report within seven working days, it took over a month to complete the inquiry. During this period, multiple administrative changes were carried out.

However, faculty and students at the institute have questioned the investigation report. They allege that the report is a cover-up and protects the main culprit. They also say that instead of reducing the responsibility of the person facing the most allegations, it has been given more authority, which has caused anger among the students.

Dainik Bhaskar indicated that the alleged deal for leaking the question paper and manipulating answer sheets ranged between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 8 lakh. Initial findings also pointed to discrepancies in signatures on answer sheets.

A student told the Daily, "This is an organised misconduct involving not just one or two people, but many. All eyes are now on the administration's next steps and whether the students' allegations will be investigated impartially."

Meanwhile, the institute administration has come under further scrutiny after Dr Ranjit Guha, the Principal of IGIMS, was excluded from the enquiry process. He said he was neither invited to meetings nor informed about discussions, despite the matter directly involving MBBS and PG students under his charge.

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