Bhubaneswar: Questions have been raised over the integrity of the ongoing Plus III second-semester examinations at Utkal University after question papers allegedly surfaced on WhatsApp a day before the scheduled examinations.

Reports suggest that question papers for several subjects have been circulating on WhatsApp ahead of the examinations. The second-semester examinations began on September 12 and are being conducted from 10 am to 1 pm across around 300 colleges affiliated to the Utkal University.

The alleged leak has raised concerns over the transparency and security of the examination process.

Utkal University Controller of Examinations Dr Hrushikesh Nayak acknowledged that a question paper had been leaked and said the university would investigate how it happened.

According to Nayak, the probe will be conducted under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor. The university will also lodge a complaint with the Cyber Police Station to ascertain the authenticity of the leaked papers and trace their source.

A detailed investigation will be conducted to determine which subjects' question papers were leaked and how they reached students before the examinations. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible, Nayak said.

Explaining the existing procedure, the Controller of Examinations said question papers are sealed at the university and sent to the respective colleges. The sealed papers are supposed to be opened only 30 minutes before the examination begins.

The university will examine whether there was any breach in the established procedure and identify where the lapse occurred, Nayak said.

The investigation is expected to establish the source of the question papers circulating on WhatsApp and determine the extent of the alleged leak.