CME inquiry confirms question paper leak in recruitment of Group C employees

Talking to Newsline Col Mukesh Sharma,GS,CME said,“The written examinations were conducted on May 6,20 and 27. A total of 7,786 candidates appeared for the examination. The results were out and we were in the process of sending call letters to shortlisted candidates for the interviews scheduled between September 3-7. We acted on a tip-off and a primary look at the marksheets revealed that a few candidates had scored exceptionally higher than expected. We have decided to hold the examination afresh on September 30 to give a fair chance to all candidates.”

The inquiry that concluded on August 14 pointed towards involvement of a civilian employee as the source of the leak. “During the inquiry,a civilian employee was identified as the source and he accepted his complicity in leaking the question papers. In view of an unfair advantage accruing to certain candidates who have benefited from the leak,a decision has been taken by the Commandant College of Military Engineering to countermand the results of the examination,” said a press release issued by Press Information Bureau,Ministry of Defence.

While the authorities refrained from revealing the name of the civilian employee saying it is too early to name the person,another CoI has been convened to probe the modus-operandi of those involved. “The next CoI under a Brigadier assisted by two Colonels will look into further details,” said Sharma.

Normally,two to three sets of papers are set by a board of officers and randomly selected to avoid leaks. The second CoI is thus expected to find out at what stage the leak might have happened.

“The whole idea is to send a strong message that such things are not expected in an organisation like ours. The culprits will not be spared and most importantly,those who want to get into the organisation by false means are not welcome,” said Sharma.