Odisha medical paper leaked on WhatsApp during exam, govt oders probe

Published 31 July 2026 · education

Amid the nationwide outrage over the NEET paper leak row, the BJP government in Odisha has found itself at the centre of a fresh examination

Amid the nationwide outrage over the NEET paper leak row, the BJP government in Odisha has found itself at the centre of a fresh examination controversy after allegations surfaced that the question paper for the Medical Postgraduate (PG) General Surgery MD/MS examination was circulated on a WhatsApp group while the test was in progress. The alleged incident, linked to the Odisha University of Health Sciences (OUHS), has triggered an official investigation into possible examination malpractice. Authorities have also tightened security protocols for the remaining Medical PG examinations, including imposing a complete ban on mobile phones and electronic devices inside examination centres. Read Full Story According to sources close to the development, the controversy erupted after a complaint alleged that the General Surgery MD/MS question paper for the 2023–26 batch had been shared on a WhatsApp group during the examination. The complaint further claimed that answers to the paper were also circulated from certain WhatsApp numbers while candidates were still writing the examination, raising serious concerns about the integrity and fairness of the evaluation process.

Following the complaint, academic authorities convened an emergency virtual meeting to assess the allegations and review the conduct of the examination. During the meeting, it was decided that the remaining two examinations would be conducted under significantly enhanced security arrangements to prevent any recurrence of such incidents. Confirming the development, Professor Harekrushna Dalai, Chairman of MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, told India Today that all directions issued by the Vice-Chancellor regarding the conduct of the remaining examinations would be implemented without exception. However, Dalai cautioned against describing the incident as a conventional "question paper leak" at this stage. He explained that a paper is generally considered leaked only if it reaches candidates before the examination begins. According to the preliminary findings, the question paper was allegedly transmitted outside the examination hall at around 9:58 am, after it had already been distributed to candidates and the examination had commenced. Based on this timeline, authorities are treating the matter as an alleged unauthorised transmission of the question paper during the examination rather than a confirmed pre-examination paper leak.

Officials suspect that despite routine frisking and security checks, someone may have managed to carry a mobile phone or another communication device into the examination hall and used it to photograph or transmit the question paper. The investigation has now expanded to identify the WhatsApp group through which the paper was allegedly circulated. Authorities are working to trace the group administrator, its creator and all members associated with it. Investigators are also examining the mobile numbers allegedly used to circulate both the question paper and the answers to determine the extent of the dissemination and whether any organised network was involved. Officials said digital evidence, including WhatsApp messages, timestamps and mobile phone records, is being scrutinised as part of the probe. The investigation will also assess whether the alleged circulation had any impact on the conduct or outcome of the examination. Professor Dalai said there is currently no evidence to suggest the involvement of any student organisation or organised racket.