This story is from October 28, 2020

WhatsApp used by Kerala Technological University students to cheat in exam

Kerala Technological University has decided to tighten measures for fair conduct of university exams in affiliated colleges. It will also deploy squads for surprise checks during exams. The decision was taken after a large group of students were caught using mobile phones to receive answers for the third semester `linier algebra and complex analysis’ exam on Friday.
WhatsApp used by Kerala Technological University students to cheat in exam
Representative image
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Technological University has decided to tighten measures for fair conduct of university exams in affiliated colleges. It will also deploy squads for surprise checks during exams. The decision was taken after a large group of students were caught using mobile phones to receive answers for the third semester `linier algebra and complex analysis’ exam on Friday.

Authorities of four engineering colleges had confiscated 28 mobile phones that students smuggled into exam halls and used to share questions and answers over WhatsApp groups. Following detection of malpractice, KTU cancelled the exam and rescheduled it on Nov 5.
Sources said there were at least four WhatsApp groups that helped students in four colleges from where phones were seized. Since KTU has given the option to choose the college of candidate’s choice, preferably near their home, in the wake of Covid-19, students from a many colleges must have colluded to hatch the plot for mass copying.
Sources hinted the active involvement of a section of engineering college teachers in the making of the cartel that has been active for a couple of years. Some students were said to have paid over Rs 10,000 for membership in the WhatsApp groups that are formed exclusively for specific exam and deactivated promptly after the exam.
The principals, who attended KTU online meeting on Tuesday, reported incidents of some students shouting at invigilators when they refused to hand over the phones to students, after the exam. "It was reported that some students had kept one mobile phone outside to mislead invigilator and entered exam halls with another mobile," said university authorities. According to university examination rules, those who sneak cell phones into exam hall would be debarred for that particular examination for next three consecutive terms.

"Reports suggest that some WhatsApp groups had shared answers for 75 marks. Many of the seized mobile phones are now locked. These phones can be blocked and WhatsApp can be removed using duplicate SIM cards or using other electronic devices through an e-mail account. Principals of these four colleges were also asked to convene disciplinary committee meeting and submit a detailed report in five days," said university authorities.
PVC S Ayoob, syndicate exam sub-committee members Prof POJ Labba, C Satheesh Kumar, G Venugopal and controller of examinations KR Kiron participated in the online hearing held on the instructions of VC MS Rajasree.
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About the Author
B S Anilkumar

Anilkumar BS is a journalist (assistant editor) with The Times of India ever since it started its edition in Kerala in 2011. Specialized in news reporting and news analysis, Anilkumar BS writes both in short and long formats. He mainly focuses on political reports and education. He also writes about finance and power sectors.

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