BENGALURU: Final year students of MA in Mass Communication and Journalism (MCJ) of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) have alleged negligence on the part of university officials in conducting the annual exams.
With zero invigilation and carelessness on the part of the officials, the students were seen copying openly and using mobile phones while writing their exams between April 16 and 24.
Around 15 MCJ students, who wrote their exams at Bangalore 1 Centre (Siddaganga College in Laggere), said no charts related to their exams were displayed at the centre. They had no information about the classrooms and the seating arrangements made. The invigilator left the examination centre after distributing question papers and answer sheets. He only came back close to the examination deadline to collect the answer sheets.
A student said on the first day, many were confused as they had no information on the arrangements made for them at the centre. However, by the fourth exam, everyone started using their mobile phones at the centre and also exchanged answer sheets. ”Our exams were held on the first floor, the woman invigilator used to leave the hall to take care of her baby, who we often heard crying,” the student said.
Another student said the invigilator was very lenient and allowed a student to write the exam on the third floor of the college alone. “When we confronted the student, he said he was on election duty and part of the flying squad and did not want to disturb others as he would get several calls.
When the invigilator was questioned, she said, “What can we do if the student is part of election duty?”
When the issue was brought to the notice of KSOU vice-chancellor Sharanappa V Halse, he said strict action would be taken against those responsible. “The matter was discussed this morning and I have asked for a report from the Registrar (Evaluation). We will close the centre and punish those responsible for such unfair practices. Tomorrow (Wednesday), some members will visit the centre.”
Asked if the examination halls have CCTV cameras, the VC did not reply. He, however, said, “Rules and regulations should be followed.”