COMEDK to strengthen exam security after malpractice allegations
The Consortium of Medical, Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka plans to hire three cybersecurity experts and change question-paper access procedures after reported malpractice at examination centres in Jamshedpur. From 2027, it intends to use seven question-paper sets and release passwords shortly before testing begins.
The Consortium of Medical, Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka plans to introduce tighter security measures for future COMEDK-UGET examinations after reported malpractice at three centres in Jamshedpur during the 2026 test. COMEDK Secretary S. Kumar said the organisation would hire three senior cybersecurity experts to recommend technical measures for preventing malpractice.
The experts are expected to advise on a new system described by the consortium as more secure. From the 2027 examinations, seven sets of question papers are to be uploaded instead of four. Passwords allowing centres to access the papers will be supplied 20 minutes before the examination, rather than an hour in advance, Kumar said at a press conference in Bengaluru.
He said an FIR had been registered in Jamshedpur. According to Kumar, at least four invigilators became approvers and provided statements, but later left the city after facing death threats. He also said the investigation had been delayed because all three centres were locked when a COMEDK team arrived.
The consortium subsequently sought police assistance, Kumar said. He described the alleged method of malpractice as shocking and said COMEDK would pursue action under the law against those involved. The supplied material does not detail the alleged method or identify suspects.
COMEDK also announced an arrangement with Sneha Society for Counselling to provide emotional and psychological support to students enrolled in professional courses. Support will be available online and offline, and dedicated counsellors may be sent to institutions that request them. Kumar said students may hesitate to use counselling services at institutions where staff are familiar to them.
The new arrangement is intended to provide free online counselling and additional support through an external organisation.
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