Daijiworld Media Network - Shivamogga

Shivamogga, Oct 24: Allegations of examination malpractice have surfaced at the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) regional centre in Shivamogga, where students were allegedly allowed to use mobile phones and books during degree and postgraduate examinations in exchange for money. However, the regional director has denied the allegations.

The KSOU regional office near Alkol Circle, which serves as an examination centre, has come under scrutiny following claims that students who paid money were permitted to refer to books and use mobile phones during examinations without interference from invigilators.

According to the allegations, students who paid money were seated on the second floor of the examination centre, while those who did not pay were made to sit on the first floor.

A video purportedly showing students using books and mobile phones during examinations has gone viral on social media, raising questions about the conduct of the examinations.

The university's degree and postgraduate examinations began on October 7 and are scheduled to continue until November 20.

Speaking to reporters, KSOU regional director B M Swamy rejected the allegations and maintained that examination irregularities were not permitted at the Shivamogga centre.

“Some people think that money was illegally collected to facilitate malpractice. No such malpractice happened at our Shivamogga centre. The university has also warned us against such irregularities,” he said.

Swamy added that examination staff do not permit mobile phones, smartwatches or similar devices inside the examination centre.

Meanwhile, sources in the district administration said the matter had been brought to the notice of the university's registrar of evaluation.