Odisha medical exam paper shared on WhatsApp during test

A major investigation is underway in Odisha after images of a postgraduate medical examination question paper were allegedly circulated on WhatsApp while the test was in progress on July 27. The incident involves the General Surgery Paper II for the MS/MD course for the 2023-26 batch, administered by the Odisha University of Health Sciences (OUHS).

Authorities confirmed that photographs of the question paper were shared within WhatsApp groups operated by postgraduate students shortly after the examination began at approximately 9:58 a.m. There are also allegations that answers were being transmitted from specific mobile numbers during the test. The breach was uncovered when a candidate from a private medical college in Bhubaneswar, who received the images, alerted officials. The student reported that the material originated from a WhatsApp group created by a peer at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.

In response, OUHS Vice-Chancellor Manas Ranjan Sahoo convened an emergency virtual meeting with principals of participating medical colleges on the evening of July 27 to review and strengthen security protocols for remaining examinations. Officials have launched an...