The mathematics question paper for the ongoing second revision test for Class 12 in Tamil Nadu got leaked on Sunday, a day ahead of the examination.
This was the second time such a leak has happened this year. In February, question papers got leaked during the first revision test.
The School Education Department had prepared two sets of question papers this time to mitigate the possibility of one getting leaked. However, both sets got leaked on Sunday.
Teachers The Hindu spoke to said they were disappointed with the Department’s inability to prevent leaks. “It makes a mockery of exams when the Department tends to dismiss the issue by saying that it is only a practice exam,” a teacher said.
A former Director of Government Examinations said keeping multiple sets of question papers ready was not viable as it would cost a lot of money. He said the focus should be on pinning the responsibility on the team that was expected to maintain confidentiality and on strengthening the processes.
The Chief Educational Officer of Tiruvannamalai was suspended following the leak that happened in February. But there was no further information on the outcome of the inquiry and the measures put in place to prevent such incidents, he said.
New question paper
Sources in the School Education Department said arrangements were being made to use a new question paper for the examination on Monday. Given the lack of time, a newly set question paper would be e-mailed to all the schools, the sources said. The schools were advised to take printouts of this question paper. The sources said a thorough inquiry would be conducted.
