The Odisha Medical PG examination has come under scrutiny after photographs of a question paper were allegedly circulated on WhatsApp while the examination was
still underway. The incident has sparked concerns over exam security at a time when the country is witnessing heightened attention on examination integrity following the NEET controversy. According to PTI, the alleged circulation took place on July 27 during the General Surgery theory examination for MS/MD students of the 2023-26 batch. Officials said images of the second question paper were shared in WhatsApp groups reportedly created by postgraduate students. Some students also alleged that answers were being circulated through certain phone numbers while the examination was in progress. The issue came to light after a student from a private medical college in Bhubaneswar reportedly informed authorities that he had received photographs of the question paper through a WhatsApp group allegedly operated by a student of MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur. OUHS Orders Probe, Security Tightened for Remaining Exams Following the incident, Odisha University of Health Sciences (OUHS) Vice-Chancellor Manas Ranjan Sahoo convened a virtual meeting with principals of the medical colleges conducting the postgraduate examinations on the evening of July 27. As reported by PTI, the officials were instructed to strengthen security arrangements for the remaining papers. Responding to the allegations, MKCG Medical College and Hospital Dean-cum-Principal Harekrushna Dalai said the incident should not be termed a question paper leak since the paper was allegedly circulated only after the examination had begun. "It is not a question paper leak. Had the question paper come out before the exam and reached the students, we could have termed it a leak. But, in this case, the question paper came out from the exam hall," Dalai said. He added that mobile phones are routinely prohibited inside examination halls and expressed surprise over how images of the paper were captured and shared. An internal investigation has been launched to determine what electronic device was used and how it bypassed security checks. The theory examinations for the 2023-26 batch began on July 21. Two papers are still scheduled to be held on August 1 and August 5. Around 154 students are appearing for the postgraduate examinations at MKCG Medical College and Hospital. (With inputs from PTI)
