Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University (BRABU) faced embarrassment on Sunday when its PhD entrance examination, popularly known as PAT, was cancelled after the question paper leaked during the test. The viral paper surfaced on social media within minutes of the examination starting.
A candidate was caught red-handed for leaking the paper and was immediately handed over to the police. The administration confirmed that the entrance examination will be rescheduled within a month.
How the Paper Leak Happened
According to the university officials, the paper leak occurred from Room Number 37 at LS College. A candidate allegedly threw the question paper outside through a window. Another student waiting outside picked it up and circulated it on social media platforms.
By 11:15 am, barely minutes after the first session started, the leaked paper began circulating widely online. Authorities acted swiftly, identifying the culprit before the second session.
University’s Immediate Action
BRABU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dinesh Chandra Rai announced the cancellation of the examination during an emergency meeting of the examination committee. He confirmed that a fresh PhD entrance test will be organized within the next month.
He further explained that the incident was unfortunate but the university would ensure transparency and fairness in the upcoming re-exam.
The Accused Candidate and Police Action
The accused was identified as Abhishek Gupta, a Hindi subject student who had appeared for the exam four times earlier. He was detained during the second session of the test around 1:36 pm and later handed over to the local police.
Police officials confirmed that Abhishek Gupta admitted during interrogation that he had leaked the paper at the insistence of another individual named Kanchan Kumar. His name has also been included in the FIR, and authorities are verifying Abhishek’s statements.
Station in-charge Praveen Kumar confirmed that the accused will be presented before court on Monday.
Examination Details
The BRABU PhD entrance exam was scheduled for both 2022 and 2023 academic sessions. This unusual arrangement meant that candidates who had been waiting for nearly a year finally had a chance to appear.
The exam had two sessions. The first session began at 11 am and was to conclude at 1 pm, while the second session was scheduled from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Unfortunately, within just 15 minutes of the first session, the leak surfaced online.
A total of 3,519 candidates had applied for the entrance exam. The test was conducted across five centers in Muzaffarpur.
Advance Warnings and Vigilance
Interestingly, university officials had already received inputs that irregularities might occur at LS College. Anticipating possible disruptions, the Vice Chancellor himself visited the center. Additional officers, including the examination controller and registrar, were deployed to monitor proceedings.
Despite these preventive steps, the accused managed to throw the question paper from Room 37 before being caught in the second session.
Students’ Reactions
Candidates expressed frustration after the examination was cancelled. Many said the paper was already difficult, with questions beyond their expectations. Several students looked visibly upset while leaving the centers.
For them, the cancellation was a double blow. They had waited for over a year to attempt the exam, and now they must wait another month.
Raj Bhavan’s Involvement
Sources confirmed that Raj Bhavan contacted the university administration after the leak. Registrar Prof. Sameer Kumar Sharma informed that details of the incident were communicated to Raj Bhavan immediately. The higher authorities are closely monitoring the developments.
This level of intervention highlights the seriousness of the issue, given the scale of the examination and the number of affected candidates.
ABVP Protest Against University
The paper leak sparked protests led by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Student leaders staged demonstrations, demanding accountability from the university.
State executive member Sushil Singh said the examination controller must resign immediately. He reminded that ABVP had already met the Vice Chancellor and Proctor three days earlier, demanding a clean and fair examination. Despite their warnings, the paper was leaked.
The protestors argued that the credibility of BRABU has been tarnished and called for strict action against all involved.
Past Issues in BRABU Examinations
This is not the first time BRABU examinations have faced controversy. The university has been accused in the past of mismanagement during entrance exams and delays in conducting tests. Critics believe that unless systemic changes are introduced, such incidents may repeat.
The PhD entrance examination is considered prestigious, and such leaks undermine the efforts of thousands of students who prepare diligently.
Impact on Aspirants
For 3,519 candidates, the cancellation has added uncertainty and stress. Many aspirants had traveled from distant districts to appear for the exam. The disruption has now forced them to rearrange their schedules, incurring additional costs and effort.
Candidates also fear that the re-exam may clash with other competitive examinations scheduled in the coming months. They are urging the administration to announce new dates at the earliest.
Importance of PhD Admission Exam
The BRABU PhD entrance test is crucial for candidates aspiring for research careers. A PhD seat offers academic growth, research opportunities, and potential teaching positions in colleges and universities.
For many, clearing this exam is the gateway to securing their future in higher education. The paper leak has therefore caused not only disappointment but also anxiety about delays in academic progress.
Administration’s Assurance
University officials have promised that the rescheduled examination will be conducted under stricter surveillance. Measures may include increased CCTV monitoring, stricter frisking, and reduced access points at examination halls.
Vice Chancellor Rai assured students that the integrity of the process will not be compromised again.
The BRABU PhD entrance exam leak has exposed major flaws in the university’s examination management. While swift action was taken to catch the accused and cancel the paper, the incident highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms.
For thousands of aspirants, the cancellation means another wait, more uncertainty, and renewed preparation. While the administration has promised a fresh exam within a month, restoring trust among students will be the biggest challenge.
The episode also sends a strong message about the need for accountability. As Raj Bhavan and student bodies like ABVP intervene, the university administration will have to ensure complete transparency in the upcoming examination.
For now, the paper leak of September 2025 remains another blot on Bihar’s education system, one that must be corrected swiftly to protect the future of thousands of deserving candidates.
