THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala University has ordered 71 students of the MBA 2022-24 batch to retake their Project Finance exam after their answer sheets went missing while in the custody of a faculty member responsible for evaluation. This blunder has further delayed their results, dealing a double blow to the students.
The university blamed the teacher for the mishap, and the vice-chancellor (VC) has filed a complaint with the state police chief, seeking an investigation. The KSU has also petitioned Governor Rajendra Arlekar and Higher Education Minister R Bindu over the issue.
The exam, conducted in May last year, took a shocking turn when the teacher—hailing from Palakkad—reported to the VC that the answer sheets were lost during a journey.
Though the incident occurred months ago, the varsity kept it under wraps, only informing students when they were called for a reexamination. The university senate has approved the retest, which is now scheduled for April 7.
However, a section of students is protesting against the decision, demanding that the university assess them based on their average scores instead. Speaking to the media, they argued that they should not be penalised for the university’s negligence, especially as the delayed results are affecting their job prospects. Some students have already secured job offers but are unable to join without their final results.
Higher Education Minister R Bindu condemned the lapse, calling it a possible act of sabotage. She has ordered a comprehensive probe and assured strict action against the teacher responsible.