'Won't Take Exam Again,' Say Bengaluru Students After Second Question Paper Leak

Bengaluru: A large number of Class 12 students in Bengaluru protested on the streets and waved black banners as their chemistry exam was cancelled for the second time in 10 days over a question paper leak.

"We are not ready to write this exam at any cost. Our exams are over...let them put whichever date... we are not ready to write it," said one of the students protesting outside the office of the Karnataka Department of Pre-University Education. Angry students even threw stones at windows of the building.

As the protesters tried to draw out officials, a parent went to a terrace and threatened to jump. Another student fainted and was taken to hospital.
 
The chemistry exam was to take place on March 22 but was cancelled and rescheduled for today after a student told education authorities that the question paper had been leaked.  After protests by students and parents, the government asked the Criminal Investigation Department or CID to inquire into the leak.

Around 3.30 am this morning, the CID told the Department of Pre-University Education that the question paper had been leaked again and students should be advised not to come to the exam centres.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tweeted: "I have understood the pain of students and parents. I request them to be patient and keep faith on us. I assure justice to them."

Last night the "leak" was detected in two places across the state, the investigation officers have reportedly told the government.

The CID reportedly sent education officials three question papers that were in circulation hours before the exam. One of them matched the question paper.

"This is not a game for them to set a date, give a paper and ask us to write?" questioned a student angrily.

Another said: "We have entrance exams to prepare for. We have to mentally prepare ourselves."

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshawara told reporters: "We are trying to see whether insiders or outsiders are involved."