Lucknow: Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) has intensified its investigation into the alleged leak of a BTech sixth semester examination paper after cyber cell officials formally began probing the case on the basis of a complaint submitted by a Noida-based college.
The controversy erupted after reports surfaced that the examination paper had allegedly gone viral on WhatsApp groups and Telegram channels even before the exam concluded, raising serious concerns over the security of the university’s digital examination system.
Internal Inquiries and Potential Paper Cancellation
According to university officials, the internal inquiry committee constituted by AKTU has already submitted its preliminary report, and the university administration is now preparing to initiate strict action in the matter. Sources within the university said authorities are also considering cancelling the examination paper if evidence confirms a major breach in the examination process.
The suspected paper leak came to light after a student was caught at an examination centre in Ghaziabad with material allegedly brought for cheating purposes. During questioning, the student reportedly informed officials that the examination paper had already been circulating on WhatsApp and Telegram groups around 1:35 pm on the day of the examination.
FCRF’s Flagship Cyber Law Certification Returns With a New Four-Week Cohort
Technical Tracking and Noida Centre Scrutiny
Following this revelation, university authorities launched a technical investigation to trace the source of the viral paper. During scrutiny of the digital records, officials reportedly found that the IP address linked to the leaked document was associated with an examination centre operated by a college in Noida. This discovery placed the Noida centre under suspicion and prompted immediate action by the university administration.
As part of the investigation, AKTU officials sealed computers and CCTV footage related to the examination control room at the Noida-based college. Authorities are now examining digital logs, internet activity records and surveillance footage to determine whether the paper was accessed, photographed or transmitted illegally from within the centre.
Device Forensic Auditing and Message Logs
Meanwhile, the Noida college has also conducted an internal review involving employees associated with the examination control room. According to officials, mobile phones and digital devices belonging to staff members involved in exam operations have been scrutinised, and a detailed report has already been submitted to the university administration.
Cyber cell officials have now formally initiated an investigation into the complaint filed by the college. Police sources said local law enforcement agencies are assisting the cyber team in tracing the origin of the viral messages and identifying the individuals responsible for circulating the paper on social media platforms and messaging applications.
Accountability Targets and Cyber Infrastructure Vulnerabilities
University authorities stated that the cyber investigation will play a crucial role in determining whether the leak originated from inside the examination system or through an external breach involving digital transmission. Officials are also attempting to identify the first device from which the question paper was allegedly forwarded.
AKTU administration has indicated that an FIR will be registered against those found responsible once sufficient technical evidence is collected. Officials said the university is determined to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in future examinations.
Examination Controller Prof. Deepak Nagariya said the university is treating the matter with utmost seriousness and is coordinating closely with cyber investigators and local police authorities. According to him, additional details have been sought from the university’s inquiry committee after its preliminary report highlighted several suspicious points requiring further verification.
He stated that the cyber cell investigation would help establish the exact source from which the paper was circulated on mobile devices. He also assured that strict action would be taken against anyone found involved in compromising the examination process.
The incident has once again raised concerns regarding the vulnerability of online and digitally managed examination systems in higher education institutions. In recent years, authorities across India have faced growing challenges involving paper leaks, proxy candidates, remote digital access and encrypted communication channels being used to manipulate recruitment and academic examinations.
Education experts believe that stronger cybersecurity infrastructure, restricted digital access at examination centres and real-time monitoring systems may become necessary to prevent future leaks. Universities are also increasingly relying on forensic analysis of devices, IP tracking and CCTV monitoring to identify the source of examination-related irregularities.
AKTU officials have maintained that student interests will not be adversely affected during the course of the investigation. However, the university has indicated that preserving the integrity of the examination process remains its top priority as the cyber probe continues.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
