Bhubaneswar: Odisha University of Health Sciences (OUHS) Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Manash Ranjan Sahoo on Friday clarified that the controversy surrounding the postgraduate (PG) MD/MS examination at MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Brahmapur, should not be termed a "question paper leak," stating that preliminary findings indicate it was a case of alleged examination malpractice.

Addressing the media, Prof. Sahoo said that a paper leak would have been established only if the question paper had been circulated before the commencement of the examination.

“If the question paper had gone viral before the examination, it would have been considered a paper leak. In this case, the question paper was circulated through mobile phones after the examination had begun. Therefore, it appears to be a case of malpractice rather than a paper leak,” he said.

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The Vice-Chancellor said the university has sought a detailed report from the Dean of MKCG Medical College and has directed the authorities to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.

He added that the university would decide whether the affected examination needs to be reconducted only after the inquiry report is submitted.

“The Examination Committee will take a final decision on whether the examination should be held again after reviewing the findings of the investigation,” he said.

Mobile phones banned for all during examinations

In the wake of the controversy, OUHS has decided to tighten examination protocols by imposing a complete ban on mobile phones inside examination centres.

Prof. Sahoo said the restriction will apply not only to students but also to examination controllers and all officials involved in conducting examinations.

“The use of mobile phones will no longer be permitted for anyone connected with the examination process to ensure transparency and prevent any recurrence of such incidents,” he said.

MKCG forms high-level inquiry committee

Meanwhile, the Office of the Dean and Principal of Maharaja Krishna Chandra Gajapati (MKCG) Medical College, Brahmapur, has constituted a five-member inquiry committee to investigate the alleged malpractice that has drawn widespread attention.

According to an official order, the committee will function under the chairmanship of the Dean and Principal and includes:

1. Prof. Sudepa Das, Superintendent
2. Dr. Sweta Kumar Dash, Registrar (Administration) – Member Convener
3. Prof. Siba Prasad Pattanayak, Professor and Head, Surgery
4. Prof. Chandra Sekhar Tripathy, Professor and Head, Psychiatry
5. Prof. Debabrata Nath Sharma, Professor, Anaesthesiology

The committee has been directed to investigate the alleged malpractice that has “tarnished the image of the institution” and submit its report within three working days.

The controversy erupted after allegations surfaced that photographs of PG examination question papers were circulated through mobile phones and shared on WhatsApp during the examination, prompting concerns over the integrity of the examination process.

The inquiry findings are expected to determine whether any candidates or officials were involved in malpractice and whether further disciplinary or academic action, including a possible re-examination, is warranted.