Patna: An MBBS examination conducted under Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU) was disrupted on Thursday at Patna Science College after allegations of cheating and subsequent disorder inside the examination hall, prompting the university to consider whether the affected paper should be cancelled.
The third-semester professional examination was being held at the centre for students from Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH), and Pavapuri Medical College. According to college authorities, several candidates were found in possession of unauthorised materials during the examination.
When invigilators attempted to intervene and prevent the alleged malpractice, the situation escalated into a commotion. Officials at the centre said the atmosphere became increasingly difficult to manage, prompting them to contact the AKU Controller of Examinations at around 11am, informing the university that they were unable to continue conducting the examination under the prevailing conditions.
Following this, observers and invigilators reportedly left the centre. However, despite the disruption and absence of supervisory staff, the examination continued until its scheduled conclusion at 4pm.
The college administration has further alleged that vandalism took place within the examination hall during the incident. Officials described the conduct of some examinees as “unruly”, and said they had forwarded a detailed report of the episode to the university for further action.
Aryabhatta Knowledge University has acknowledged receipt of the report. Speaking on the matter, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sharad Yadav said a decision regarding the future of the examination paper would be taken by the university’s examination board committee after reviewing the findings.
The incident has raised concerns over examination discipline and enforcement of anti-cheating measures in professional medical courses. It also comes at a time when universities across the state have been under increasing pressure to ensure stricter compliance during examinations.
With the matter now under review, students from the participating medical colleges are awaiting clarity on whether the paper will be evaluated or cancelled entirely. University officials have not yet indicated a timeline for the committee’s decision.
The situation has drawn attention across academic circles, with questions being raised over supervision mechanisms and the handling of examinations in high-stakes professional courses.
