Bengaluru: After finding that as many as 36 candidates at three examination centers in Jharkhand’s Jamshedpur were allegedly subjected to malpractices, the Consortium of Medical Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka (COMEDK) has barred them from the ongoing round of counseling pending further investigations.
COMEDK authorities said the irregularities came to light during an examination audit exercise, which was conducted on the basis of six parameters. COMEDK executive secretary Dr S Kumar said that the exercise was conducted every year after the declaration of results.
“One of the parameters used to flag suspicious cases is the comparison between the class 12 marks scored by the candidate and the marks secured in COMEDK-UGET. If we find that there is a huge difference in these marks, we escalate the case and start verifying CCTV footage and other evidence,” Kumar said.
The 36 candidates who have been barred from counseling were found to have taken outside help while writing the exam, Kumar said. Meanwhile, the COMEDK has prohibited the re-holding of exams from the exam centers where incidents of misuse have been found, apart from notifying the invigilators. “Some of the observers have even confessed. As a matter of natural justice, we have given the students an opportunity to come to Bengaluru and appear before the committee,” Kumar said.
The 36 candidates in question have been asked to appear before the commission before July 10. Candidates will be allowed to examine the incriminating evidence and give their explanations before the final decision is taken to cancel their candidature.
During the audit, conducted in accordance with the established protocol, a number of anomalies were detected in the three centers of Jamshedpur. Subsequent verification, conducted with the help of exam service providers and technical partners, provided reliable and convincing evidence that students had engaged in what amounted to malpractice.
COMEDK authorities said they will keep the Admissions Oversight Committee informed about the progress of the investigation.
Meanwhile, candidates can start entering their selections for the mock allotment round from July 11. Online counseling process will continue as per schedule.
