‘Only our questions will come’: Fake question-paper claims flood social media

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Videos making false claims such as “Only the questions we tell you will be asked in the Onam examinations. This will be tomorrow’s question paper. You only need to study this. We will provide the question paper,” are flooding social media platforms and discouraging students from studying. The office of the General Education Minister has lodged a complaint with the police chief seeking action against such videos. The complaint was filed by the minister’s private secretary, H. Nisar. The police have also been asked to issue an official warning to prevent students from falling for such false claims.

The false claims are being circulated mainly through accounts created under the name ‘Edupost’. Several teachers and educational channels conduct classes through social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube. Videos claiming that the contents of question papers have been leaked are appearing alongside such educational activities. There is also suspicion that these are being used to collect students’ information.

The examinations began on August 13. On the eve of each examination, videos appear on Instagram and other platforms promising to provide the questions for that subject. Students are only asked to subscribe to their channels to receive the questions. As no money is required, children are likely to be drawn to such offers. This is creating a tendency among students to wait for the promised questions on the eve of the examination.

The government believes this is creating false expectations among students and misconceptions about the examinations. As it directly affects studies and the credibility of the examination, immediate intervention has been sought.

Legal action sought

1. The police have been asked to verify the authenticity of the content and take legal action.
2. The misleading social media channels should be investigated and warned that strict action will be taken.
3. It should be examined whether the channels are being used to collect students’ personal information.
4. The false claims should be controlled without disrupting the normal study classes conducted by teachers.

“Everything that has appeared in the videos is fake. Let the investigation take place. The government is taking this matter seriously. The complaint was filed based on what was found at first glance. The investigation will find out whether there is anything else.”

— N. Samsudheen, General Education Minister