SC dismisses all petitions related to CBSE's paper leaks
The SC has dismissed all petitions related to the CBSE's question paper leaks. While some protested a re-exam, others had demanded a CBI enquiry. The court has now refused to interfere in the Board's decision on re-exams or to order a CBI probe. The leaks of the Class-10 Math and Class-12 Economics papers had drawn widespread criticism of the Board's handling of the episode.
Economics, Math papers had leaked on social-media hours before exams
Reports of the Class-12 Economics question paper and Class-10 Math paper being leaked had emerged much before each exam. The Economics paper was circulating on social media hours before the exam on March 26. Rumors of the Math leak were making the rounds since the night before the exam on March 28. Initially, the Board denied allegations, but then announced re-tests.
Class 12 Economics re-test on April 25, Math re-exam cancelled
CBSE officially cancelled both the papers minutes after the students completed their Math exam. Later, it announced a retest for Class-12 Economics students on April 25. It said a re-exam for Class-10 might be held partially. But yesterday, they cancelled a retest for Math "consequent to the evaluation of the impact of leaked paper & keeping in mind the paramount interest of students."
Angry students question the Board's erratic behavior
The decision of re-tests had faced protests by angry students. Many had entrance tests, vacations and other work scheduled, and plans had gone for a toss. Moreover, papers were leaked for several subjects, so why re-tests for only two, they asked. Some wondered why CBSE had denied the leaks when it already knew. Others asked how it would guarantee the re-test paper won't leak.
A never-before fiasco for the CBSE
The CBSE's handling of the entire episode has come in for much criticism. For one, the chairman reportedly saw the leaked Math paper the evening before the exam, but didn't call off the test. It also introduced one set of question paper for the entire country rather than the usual three sets, leading many to question if the move risked security of the papers.
CBSE introduces 'encrypted' question papers, but trial-run hit by glitches
To prevent a paper leak in future, CBSE yesterday introduced a "leak-proof" system of "encrypted" question papers which are supposed to be printed by schools. However, with just one trial-run, the system faced multiple glitches.
