CBI Finds 'Evidence' In UGC NET Exam Case As 'Fabricated': Report

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probing into the alleged irregularity in the UGC-NET 2024 that led to the cancellation of the examination on June 19, has come up with a finding suggesting a new picture of digital manipulation disrupting the entire system of competitive exams. As per a report published in Indian Express, the CBI has found that the ‘evidence’ that led to the cancellation of the UGC NET exam by the Education Ministry was ‘doctored’.

The report says that following the inputs from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) that “the integrity of the examination may have been compromised”, the center canceled the UGC-NET exam held for admission to PhD. The input was a screenshot of a UGC-NET paper found on a Telegram channel around 2 pm on the exam date, June 18, with comments suggesting that it was leaked before the first session. UGC-NET is held in two sessions – from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 3 pm to 6 pm.

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The messages and conversation were detected by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs and informed to UGC on June 19 around 3. Following it the exam was canceled by the government and the case was forwarded to CBI for investigation.

According to the report, the CBI found that the screenshot of the paper was circulated by a student and it was later fabricated by some miscreant to give an impression that the paper was available before the exam. However, the nature of the manipulation is still unknown.

The report further said that it was a scam run by some Telegram channel to illegally get money from the candidates showcasing that the paper will be available for money. It was also done to ensure credibility in getting money by that Telegram channel in future exams. The CBI has appraised its findings to the Ministry of Education. However, there is no clarity on whether the government will revoke its decision to cancel the UGC-NET exam.

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Reportedly, the investigation agnecy did no made any arrest so far in the UGC-NET exam case.