A major lapse in examination protocol has come to light in Uttar Pradesh Board exams after the Intermediate Sanskrit question paper scheduled for March 12 was allegedly opened nearly 20 days in advance at an examination centre in Palhna. The incident, reported from Maa Sharda Inter College, Singhpur Saraiya, has triggered an urgent inquiry and disciplinary proceedings against multiple officials responsible for maintaining exam secrecy.
The breach surfaced when the centre reported that not a single candidate had appeared for the Sanskrit paper, prompting suspicion at the Board’s regional office in Varanasi. Acting on the report, senior officials rushed to the centre and found that the sealed question paper packet had already been opened well before the scheduled examination date — a direct violation of Board rules governing the custody and handling of confidential exam material.
Officials said the packet was immediately resealed and secured to prevent any further compromise. However, the premature opening itself has been classified as a serious breach of examination confidentiality, raising concerns about whether the contents were accessed, copied or circulated. The possibility of a paper leak has not been confirmed, but authorities said all angles are being examined.
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Preliminary findings point to negligence on the part of the centre superintendent, the static magistrate and the external centre superintendent. All three had joint responsibility for safeguarding the question papers and ensuring that packets were opened strictly at the scheduled time in the presence of authorised personnel. Their failure to follow protocol has led to recommendations for strict departmental action.
Education department officials described the incident as “grave misconduct” that undermines the integrity of the Board examination system. Opening a question paper ahead of schedule not only violates confidentiality norms but also creates the risk of unfair advantage, organised cheating or cancellation of the examination at the affected centre.
Sources indicated that the false report of zero attendance may have been sent to cover up the premature opening of the packet. Investigators are now examining attendance records, CCTV footage where available, and statements of invigilators and staff to establish the sequence of events. They are also verifying whether any candidates were present on the day the packet was opened and whether the paper was handled or viewed.
The Joint Director of Education has ordered preparation of a detailed report to be submitted to higher authorities, based on which disciplinary action will be initiated. Possible measures include suspension of the officials concerned, blacklisting of the centre and, if necessary, recommending cancellation or rescheduling of the examination to maintain fairness.
Board authorities emphasised that strict protocols exist for storage and handling of question papers, including double-lock systems, custody registers and time-bound opening procedures. Any deviation is treated as a major offence because it directly impacts the credibility of the examination process.
This incident comes at a time when the Board has been strengthening anti-cheating measures through surveillance, flying squads and tighter control over confidential material. The lapse has therefore raised questions about local-level compliance with established safeguards.
Officials said that until the investigation is complete, the focus will remain on securing all remaining question papers at the centre and ensuring that no further procedural violations occur. A final decision on punitive action will be taken after the submission of the detailed inquiry report.
The development has caused concern among students and parents, with authorities reiterating that the integrity of the examination will be protected and any attempt to compromise confidentiality will invite strict consequences.
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.
