21 errors flagged in MHT-CET question paper; Maharashtra to hold retest on May 5

Several students from across the state who attended the PCM (Physics-Chemistry-Mathematics) paper on Sunday complained of errors in questions. Candidates pointed out that more than 20 questions in the Mathematics section did not have a correct answer from the given four options.

Admitting errors in the question paper, Maharashtra CET Cell Commissioner Dilip Sardesai said that errors were found in 21 questions out of the total 50 questions in the Mathematics section of the English version of the question paper.

“The glitch is due to errors in the translation of questions from Marathi to English. Apart from errors in translation, the options of the questions were jumbled up, which led to no correct answer in the given four options for these questions. Taking cognisance of this, it is decided to hold a re-exam for all the affected candidates,” Sardesai said.

Among the students who appeared for this session of the MHT-CET (PCM) examination on Sunday, 27,306 students were registered for English medium, along with 3,473 and 241 students for Marathi and Urdu medium, respectively.

“After verification, it has been noted that the errors were only in the English medium paper where questions required translation. So there will be a re-exam for 24,744 students who were present that day to appear for MHT-CET (PCM) in English medium. There was no issue with questions for students who appeared in the other two mediums. Thus, we are still contemplating whether they should require a re-exam or not,” said Sardesai, adding that all affected students will be notified about the development via email and SMS.

Many English-medium students who appeared for the exam on Sunday took to social media to complain about the errors.

Initially, the Maharashtra CET Cell had responded that students complaining of errors will have to raise objections, a procedure followed if students want to challenge any question for the exam. Students and parents had called it unjustified as raising objections will cost Rs 1,000 per question. Parents demanded that CET Cell to review the questions and make a blanket decision for all those who are affected.

“Multiple emails were sent to the Maharashtra CET Cell by candidates and their parents following which the questions were reviewed by the CET Cell and it was decided to hold a re-examination for the affected candidates,” said Sardesai.