Year-Ender 2024: From NEET UG to SSC MTS, Exams Hit by Paper Leaks This Year – Full List
This year witnessed several major recruitment and entrance examinations, many of which were marred by reports of paper leaks. The incidents began early in February with the UP Police Constable Recruitment Exam and later included exams like NEET UG, CUET, Bihar CHO, and SSC CGL. Here’s a detailed look at the paper leak scandals of 2024:
1. UP Police Constable Recruitment Exam 2024
The first major paper leak case of the year surfaced in February during the UP Police Constable Recruitment Exam, which saw 4.5 million applicants. Hours before the exam scheduled on February 18, the paper was leaked, selling for amounts ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh. The incident led to the exam's cancellation by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Authorities arrested 244 individuals in connection with the case.
2. CSIR SO, ASO Recruitment Exam
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) conducted exams for Section Officer (SO) and Assistant Section Officer (ASO) positions. During investigations, coaching operators and solver gangs were caught. It was revealed that candidates were helped through cheating software like AnyDesk.
3. UPPSC RO/ARO Paper Leak
The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission conducted the RO/ARO preliminary exam on February 11, 2024. However, the exam was canceled after allegations of a paper leak. Candidates were reportedly provided question papers and answer sheets at resorts booked in Haryana's Manesar and Madhya Pradesh's Rewa.
4. NEET UG Paper Leak
The NEET UG paper leak case made headlines for months. The medical entrance exam, held on May 5, was leaked, and allegations surfaced that marks were inflated for 1,563 candidates. Following the release of NEET UG results, the controversy escalated, prompting candidates to approach the Supreme Court. The number of toppers was reduced from 61 to 17 after revised results were announced.
5. UGC NET Paper Leak
On June 18, 2024, the UGC NET exam was conducted, only to be canceled by the Education Ministry the following day after reports of the paper being leaked on the dark web and shared via Telegram. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the decision was taken to uphold the exam’s integrity.
6. JSSC CGL Paper Leak
The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) CGL exam, held on September 21 and 22, faced allegations of paper leaks. Candidates reported instances where others left their OMR sheets blank, suggesting fraudulent activity and reinforcing suspicions of a leak.
7. Rajasthan SI Recruitment Exam
The Rajasthan Police Sub-Inspector Recruitment Exam 2024 was tainted by a paper leak scandal involving 37 police personnel and others. The Special Operation Group uncovered two gangs behind the leak. Over 7.97 lakh candidates appeared for this exam, which aimed to fill 859 positions.
8. SSC MTS Exam Fraud
In Patna’s Purnia district, authorities uncovered a major fraud at the Gulabbagh Hasda Road exam center during the SSC MTS exam. Police arrested seven staff members, 14 fake candidates, and 14 genuine candidates involved in the scam to manipulate results.
9. Bihar CHO Paper Leak
The Bihar Community Health Officer (CHO) exam, scheduled for December 1–3, was canceled after reports of a paper leak on the first day. Investigations led to the arrest of 37 individuals. Reports indicated that exam centers were bought for ₹4 lakh each, with students charged ₹5 lakh.
This year highlighted the growing challenge of maintaining the sanctity of competitive exams in India. Authorities and exam boards face mounting pressure to prevent such incidents and ensure fair opportunities for candidates.