Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Kerala University has announced a re-examination for a batch of MBA students after a significant number of answer sheets from a recent semester examination were reported missing. The decision, which has sparked widespread concern among students and faculty, comes in the wake of an internal investigation that confirmed the loss of the crucial evaluation documents.
The incident, which came to light last week, involved answer sheets from the third-semester MBA examinations held in December 2023. The university’s examination wing discovered the discrepancy during the routine evaluation process, leading to an immediate halt of the proceedings. Initial reports suggested that the missing answer sheets belonged to students from multiple affiliated colleges under the university.
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal, addressing a press conference, stated that the university is treating the matter with utmost seriousness. “The loss of answer sheets is a grave lapse, and we are committed to ensuring fairness and transparency in the re-examination process,” he said. “We understand the anxiety and distress this has caused to the students, and we are working diligently to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
The university has formed a high-level committee to conduct a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the loss of the answer sheets. This committee, comprising senior faculty members and administrative officials, is tasked with identifying the lapses in the handling and storage of the answer scripts, and recommending measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
“Our primary concern is to safeguard the academic interests of the affected students,” Dr. Kunnummal emphasized. “The re-examination will be conducted with strict adherence to all protocols, and we will ensure that the students are not unduly burdened by this unfortunate incident.”
The university has released a tentative schedule for the re-examination, which is expected to be conducted within the next few weeks. Detailed information regarding the dates, timings, and venues will be communicated to the students through their respective colleges and the university’s official website.
Students, however, have expressed their frustration and concern over the delay and the potential impact on their academic progress. Many have highlighted the mental stress and financial burden associated with preparing for and attending a re-examination.
“This is incredibly frustrating,” said Anjali Nair, an MBA student from a Thiruvananthapuram-based college. “We had put in a lot of effort for the original exam, and now we have to go through the entire process again. This delay will affect our placement opportunities and further studies.”
Faculty members have also voiced their concerns about the administrative lapses that led to the loss of the answer sheets. They have called for a comprehensive overhaul of the university’s examination system to ensure the security and integrity of the evaluation process.
“This incident highlights the need for stricter protocols in the handling and storage of answer sheets,” said Professor Rajesh Kumar, a faculty member from the university’s management studies department. “We need to implement a robust tracking system and ensure that there are multiple layers of security to prevent such incidents from recurring.”
The university administration has acknowledged the need for systemic reforms and has assured that the recommendations of the inquiry committee will be implemented promptly. They have also emphasized their commitment to providing adequate support to the affected students during the re-examination process.
In an effort to mitigate the students’ concerns regarding potential delays in their academic progression, the university has also clarified that the re-examination results will be expedited and published as soon as possible. They have also stated that they will work closely with affiliated colleges to ensure that students are not disadvantaged in terms of placement and further study opportunities.
The re-examination will be conducted under strict invigilation and evaluation procedures to maintain the highest standards of fairness and transparency. The university has also stated that they will provide students with opportunities to clarify any doubts or concerns they may have regarding the re-examination process.
The incident has raised serious questions about the efficiency and reliability of the university’s examination system. Students and faculty are hoping that the university will take concrete steps to address the systemic issues and restore confidence in the integrity of the evaluation process. The outcome of the inquiry committee’s report is eagerly awaited, as it is expected to provide valuable insights into the lapses that occurred and pave the way for necessary reforms.
The university administration has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent re-examination process and to providing all necessary support to the affected students. They have also pledged to take all necessary measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The university hopes that this incident will serve as a catalyst for positive change and lead to the strengthening of its examination system.
