Odisha Matric exam lapses: BSE scraps English exam in 3 centres

Cuttack: Following lapses in the conduct of the matriculation examinations, the Board of Secondary Education (BSE) Odisha today decided to cancel the English subject examination of February 25 in three centres over allegations of malpractice. Earlier, visuals of guardians and outsiders supplying chits through the windows of an examination hall of a centre were telecast by OTV.

Addressing a presser, BSE President Jahan Ara Begum informed that English paper exam at Ghunsar Govt High School in Bolangir, Palaspitha PR High School in Dhenkanal and Gopinathpur Krupasindhu Nodal High School in Cuttack districts have been scrapped.

"The decision to cancel the English examination was taken based on the report submitted by district education officers, centre superintendents, and our squads," said Begum.

The Board president further stated deviations in the conduct of the matric examination were found and under such circumstances the examination cannot be considered as valid.

"There will be no re-examination of the English paper. The examination committee will soon review and take a decision whether all the students will be booked for malpractice or not. The committee is expected to hold a meeting within seven days," Begum added.

BSE officials further informed that the examination of other subjects will be conducted as per schedule at these three centres. Moreover, concerned senior police officials have been asked to strengthen security measures to put a check on such incidents.