Question paper mix-up: Class VIII papers distributed to Class IX students in Kerala

THALASSERY: An investigation has been ordered by the Education Department following a mix-up in question paper distribution at several schools under the Thalassery North Block Resource Centre (BRC).

On Saturday, students appearing for the Class IX Malayalam Second Language examination were inadvertently provided with question papers intended for the Class VIII Malayalam Second Language exam, which was scheduled for the 10th. The error came to light only after the exam had commenced and the question paper packets were opened for distribution.

Upon realising the mistake, teachers withheld the papers from the students and immediately alerted the BRC. To rectify the situation, the correct Class IX question papers were sourced from Kannur and delivered to the schools. As a result, the examination, originally scheduled to begin at 1:30 pm, was delayed in many institutions, commencing only after 2:30 pm.

Initial reports from the education department suggest the error stemmed from a mistake in the serial number printed on the question paper bundles.

In light of a major question paper leak controversy two years ago, the Education Department had tightened security, mandating that Class VIII and IX exams follow the same strict, confidential protocols as the SSLC board examinations. This shift in procedure, which includes ending the previous practice of BRCs keeping extra question papers on hand, is being reviewed as officials investigate how the lapse occurred.