The Bihar government has canceled the community health officer recruitment exam after uncovering major irregularities at several exam centers in Patna.
The decision came after the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of the Bihar Police detected widespread malpractices during the online exam held on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 12 centers across the state capital.
Widespread Malpractices Uncovered
Deputy Inspector General (EOU) Manavjit Singh Dhillon confirmed that 37 individuals were arrested, including aspirants, examination center staff, IT managers, and even owners of the centers.
Several items, including:
- Laptops
- Mobile phones
- ATM and credit cards
- Aadhaar cards
were recovered from the accused during joint raids conducted by the EOU and Patna Police at three exam centers.
The investigation revealed that employees at these centers allowed unauthorized access to their systems using proxy servers and remote viewing applications. A solver gang used these methods to solve question papers in real time during the online Computer-Based Test (CBT).
Exam Cancellation and Further Action
The Bihar State Health Society, which oversees the recruitment process, has officially canceled the exam and promised to announce new dates soon.
A Pune-based IT firm responsible for conducting the test is also under scrutiny for its role in enabling the malpractice. Officials confirmed that some staff members at the exam centers collaborated with the solver gang, compromising the integrity of the exam.
Ongoing Investigation
A special investigation team has been formed to probe the case further and apprehend other members of the solver gang. Authorities are also investigating the involvement of private IT managers and center owners in the organized malpractice.
DIG Dhillon assured strict action, saying, “The examination has been canceled, and we are committed to identifying and punishing everyone involved.”
Conclusion
The cancellation of the community health officer recruitment exam highlights the pressing need for strict monitoring and secure systems in online testing processes. The Bihar government’s swift action against malpractice underscores its commitment to maintaining the integrity of competitive examinations.
