Reports of mass copying push back final semester results

For the first time, the Higher Education Department conducted online semester exams for final year students after the UGC refused the State’s proposal to scrap the exams due to the pandemic. Accordingly, about 1.01 lakh students from 106 government colleges took the test amid a series of server snags.

After downloading the question paper, students had to write answers in separate sheets, which were scanned and uploaded. In addition, students also had to send hard copies by post.“During scrutiny of answer sheets, it was found that students indulged in mass copying. Answers of several students from a single college looked alike and they also committed the same mistake for a particular question,” the official said. “We also got reports that many students engaged private parties to prepare the answer sheets.” He also pointed out that many answer sheets, which were sent through the post, were totally different from the uploaded answer sheets.

All State-run institutions have been asked to prepare the list of the students who indulged in copying so that a decision on the results can soon be taken. “A decision on whether to debar or give one final chance to the students who indulged in unfair means will also be taken,” the official added. Stating that since the government does not have the required software to conduct full-fledged online exams for students, Higher Education Department authorities were in the process of getting a software powered by Artificial Intelligence techniques, the official added. Controller of Examinations, University of Madras, Dr K Pandian said if reports of mass copying was proved, a committee would be formed to take further action.