Authorities are particularly concerned about YouTube channels predicting or posting actual exam questions, which have gained popularity and sometimes recommend specific questions, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the examination process
Published Dec 15, 2024 | 3:35 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 15, 2024 | 5:44 PM
Christmas exam question paper leak (iStock)
In a significant breach of academic integrity, the Director of General Education (DGE) has formally lodged a complaint with the Kerala State Police Chief regarding the leak of question papers for the half-yearly Christmas examinations in State schools.
This leak, which involved the SSLC English and Plus One Mathematics question papers, surfaced on various YouTube channels prior to the exams and has sparked widespread concern over the integrity of the public education system in Kerala.
V Sivankutty, the Minister for General Education, called the leak a “serious issue” and a major challenge to the state’s public education sector. He emphasised that the leak of the question papers was not a random occurrence but something that could not have happened without the involvement of teachers who prepared the papers or the school authorities responsible for distributing them.
The minister highlighted that leaks of this nature had been more frequent in recent times, prompting an urgent investigation into potential lapses in the system.
Sivankutty also pointed to a possible link between teachers and private tuition centers, citing past instances where action was taken against teachers involved in private tuition despite public complaints.
The investigation will now include an inquiry into which teachers are also teaching at private tuition centers, with the possibility of disciplinary action for those found guilty. Teachers who neglect their responsibilities in schools while engaging in such activities would face termination, the minister warned.
The focus of the investigation also extends to YouTube channels, which have allegedly played a role in distributing the leaked exam papers.
According to Sivankutty, these channels—along with large private tuition centers—were exploiting the situation for financial gain, compromising the state’s education system for profit. He emphasised that while these platforms might experience short-term success by attracting more students, they were ultimately betraying both the public education sector and the parents of students.
Authorities are particularly concerned about the growing trend of YouTube channels predicting or even posting actual exam questions. These channels have gained popularity in recent years, with some even recommending specific exam questions to students, raising alarm about the integrity of the entire examination process.
The police are now set to take statements from YouTube channel operators, as well as teachers involved in preparing the question papers. The Education Department is also looking into potential lapses in the printing and distribution process for the question papers.
For the Plus One and Plus Two Christmas exams, papers are prepared during workshops and printed at a confidential press outside the state, with strict protocols in place to prevent leaks.
Similar processes are followed for exams in other classes, but the leak suggests potential breakdowns in the system.
Despite the confirmed leak, the likelihood of a re-examination is low, as the Christmas exams are mid-term assessments and do not affect student promotion.
This is not the first time Kerala has faced questions over the security of its public examination system. Reports indicate that certain YouTube channels have been involved in leaking question papers during the past three quarterly exams.
One such channel, based in Koduvalli, had gained notoriety after successfully predicting questions for the Christmas exams last year.
Despite multiple complaints from officials, including one from the Deputy Director of Education in Kozhikode, the Education Department did not initiate an investigation until this latest breach.
The Kozhikode Deputy Director filed a police complaint against the channel, which reportedly operated an online platform involving both serving and retired education department employees. The channel, which had gained significant traction for its accurate predictions, was shut down amid the leak allegations.
Despite the alleged involvement of multiple Youtube channels, reports confirm that a complaint has been registered against channel MS Solutions.
The YouTube channel is also under scrutiny for allegedly incorporating sexually offensive references in its online educational content targeted at high school and higher secondary students.
AIYF has raised strong objections, claiming that the classes include vulgar remarks and double meaning jokes, with video evidence of such content being shared on social media platforms like Instagram.
AIYF has announced plans to submit the video evidence to the police, demanding strict action against the channel.
‘”This kind of content is unacceptable, especially when it involves the education of young students,” stated an AIYF representative.
Authorities have confirmed that they are examining both allegations to determine the extent of any wrongdoing.
The investigation has cast a wide net, with teachers who contributed to drafting the question papers now under scrutiny. The police are expected to question all individuals connected to the preparation and handling of the papers, including those at various District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) who helped develop the questions for classes up to 10th grade.
While some individuals have denied any involvement in the leak, the Department of Education has flagged the activities of certain YouTube channels as highly suspicious.
In particular, the competitive nature of these platforms, where gaining subscribers often depends on accurate exam predictions, has raised concerns about the ethical implications of such practices.
Teachers’ unions have also weighed in on the issue. OK Jayakrishnan, General Secretary of the All Kerala School Teachers’ Union, called for a thorough investigation to determine whether the leaks were intentional and whether tuition centers were involved.
He emphasised the need for a police investigation to ensure accountability.
The Kerala Pradesh School Teachers’ Association (KPSTA) expressed similar sentiments, labelling the leak as a “deliberate attempt to destroy” the state’s public education system. They warned that strong protests and legal action would follow if the government fails to take decisive action.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)
