The Assam state board has cancelled all Class 11 examinations scheduled from March 24 to 29, covering 36 subjects, following reports of multiple question paper leaks. Education Minister Ranoj Pegu confirmed the decision, citing serious breaches of protocol and widespread allegations of paper leaks. This decision was made after the Higher Secondary first-year Mathematics paper, slated for March 21, was leaked, leading to its cancellation and the lodging of a police complaint.
Student Bodies Demand Accountability
The paper leak scandal has triggered widespread outrage among student organizations. Groups such as the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Students’ Federation of India (SFI), Satra Mukti Sangram Samiti (SMSS), and the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) have criticized the state government’s handling of the crisis. These organizations have demanded the resignation of Education Minister Ranoj Pegu and the suspension of Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB) chairman R C Jain. They have also emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the leaks and called for stricter measures to protect the integrity of the examination process.
Details of the Mathematics Paper Leak
The controversy began when the Mathematics paper for Higher Secondary first-year exams was leaked on March 20, a day before the exam. Minister Pegu revealed that 18 schools, including three government institutions, were implicated in breaching the security seal of the question paper. As a result, the ASSEB has suspended the affiliation of 15 private schools across 10 districts for violating examination protocols. These schools have also been barred from admitting Class 11 students for the 2025-26 academic year. Police complaints have been filed against the violators.
Government and Police Take Action
The Assam government has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the leaks. An FIR has been lodged at the CID headquarters in Guwahati, and 18 additional cases are set to be filed at various police stations. The investigation aims to identify those responsible for the leaks, with authorities expressing optimism about pinpointing the culprits.
New Examination Schedule Pending
Minister Pegu assured students that the Board will finalize a revised examination schedule during a meeting on Monday. He acknowledged the uncertainty and stress caused to students and promised to ensure that the rescheduled exams would be conducted transparently and fairly.
Student Organizations Criticize Leadership
The scandal has led to severe criticism of the state government and the ASSEB leadership. NSUI Assam President Krishanu Baruah accused the government of systemic failure in preventing leaks, emphasizing the adverse impact on hardworking students. SFI state secretary Sangita Das called for a high-level inquiry, criticizing the reinstatement of ASSEB chairman R C Jain despite past allegations of corruption. SMSS general secretary Pranjal Kalita demanded Education Minister Pegu’s resignation, accusing the government of undermining Assam’s educational system.
AASU Seeks Justice for Students
AASU president Utpal Sarma demanded immediate action against those responsible for the breaches. He criticized the ASSEB for failing in its duty to maintain confidentiality and called for an exemplary investigation to restore trust in the system.
As investigations continue, students and parents await clarity on the rescheduled exams. The Assam government faces mounting pressure to restore confidence in the state’s education system and implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
