Patna: An investigation into alleged malpractice in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) Assistant Education Development Officer (AEDO) examination has gathered pace, with the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) arresting 38 people and registering eight FIRs across five districts.
Officials said the probe has revealed the involvement of a large organised network, including solver gangs and a private agency previously blacklisted by national authorities. Candidates were allegedly promised success in exchange for payments running into tens of lakhs.
Uniform cheating pattern across districts
According to investigators, a strikingly similar pattern of malpractice has been identified at examination centres in Munger, Nalanda, Begusarai, Sheikhpura and Gaya. Several candidates were caught using electronic devices during the exam, pointing to coordinated efforts to manipulate outcomes.
The EOU believes a broader syndicate orchestrated the operation, offering candidates deals worth Rs. 25–30 lakh to ensure they passed. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been set up to identify and apprehend the masterminds behind the racket.
Scrutiny over blacklisted contractor
A key and controversial aspect of the investigation is the role of a Jaipur-based private firm, which was tasked with conducting the examination. Reports indicate the company had already been blacklisted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), raising questions about how it was selected for such a critical assignment.
The role of personnel responsible for biometric attendance is also under suspicion, with officials probing whether there was collusion in facilitating impersonation or bypassing verification systems.
Exam held amid early irregularity reports
The AEDO examination was conducted between 14 and 21 April, during which reports of irregularities began to surface from multiple centres. The EOU subsequently took over the investigation and has sought detailed information from BPSC regarding officials and staff involved in the examination process and the selection of the agency.
Authorities indicated that further arrests and revelations are likely as the inquiry progresses, with the possibility of action against senior individuals not being ruled out.
