Question Paper Error Leads to Exam Cancellation at GBU

News Source: Telegraph India

University of Gour Banga has cancelled the third-semester undergraduate Political Science examination after students were given an incorrect question paper during the test on March 12. Over 100 students appearing under the old National Education Policy (NEP) syllabus were scheduled to write the paper “Modern Indian Political Thought,” but instead received a question set meant for “Comparative Politics.” The mistake was noticed shortly after the exam began and reported to the controller of examinations. An alternative question paper carrying 50 marks was later distributed, though students were asked to attempt questions worth 40 marks and were given extra time.

The cancellation was decided at an emergency meeting on Friday chaired by vice-chancellor Ashis Bhattacharjee, with a fresh exam date to be announced later. Following the incident, Siddhartha Sankar Manna, coordinator of the postgraduate Political Science department and ex-officio chairman of the UG board of studies, was replaced by Badal Sarkar after reportedly acknowledging the error. However, the move drew criticism from some faculty members, including EC member Sanatan Das, who said the removal was made without forming a fact-finding committee, while another teacher involved in moderation suggested the error could also have occurred during printing or due to frequent syllabus changes.