Brahmapur: Serious allegations of malpractice have rocked the postgraduate (PG) examinations conducted under the Odisha University of Health Sciences (OUHS) at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Odisha’s Brahmapur.
The controversy centres on the General Surgery MD/MS paper for 2023–26 batch held on July 27 across more than 20 subjects. Sources indicate that photographs of the question paper were shared in WhatsApp groups, with some claims suggesting that answers were also disseminated from certain numbers while the test was underway. This has prompted authorities to ban mobile phones and electronic devices at examination centres to curb further malpractice.
A preliminary inquiry by a team from the OUHS has been initiated following formal complaints, with the university visiting MKCG to assess the situation. An internal probe is also underway at the institution to determine how the paper was photographed and circulated. The creators and members of the relevant WhatsApp groups are also being probed.
Dean and Principal of MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Harekrishna Dalai, emphasised that strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty. “Two papers conducted by OUHS have been completed so far. A virtual meeting was held under the instructions of Vice-Chancellor to discuss the upcoming examinations and establish clear directives on how to proceed,” he told the media.
Dalai clarified the sequence of events, stating that the material appears to have been sent out from inside the hall after the papers were distributed. “It is not a case of exam paper ‘leak’ as that would mean that the question paper was circulating before candidates reached the centre. Complaints indicate that questions were passed outside once the process commenced,” he said, noting that the images were circulated around 9:58 am, minutes after papers were handed out.
He added that security checks are routine, but a smuggled gadget or phone may have been used.
The episode has triggered widespread concern among students and the medical academic community in Odisha, with calls for greater transparency and accountability. It comes amid a national backdrop of heightened scrutiny on examination malpractices, including high-profile cases involving major entrance tests where papers were allegedly shared through coaching networks and digital channels
