Mass Copying Allegations Haunt AU CDE Exams
Allegations of mass copying have resurfaced at several Andhra University Centre for Distance Education (AU CDE) examination centres, with critics questioning the university’s failure to implement earlier proposals to strengthen examination safeguards.
The Centre for Distance Education has been conducting undergraduate and postgraduate examinations since June 29 at 85 centres across Andhra Pradesh, from Srikakulam to Anantapur. According to critics, several of these centres have, over the years, faced allegations of facilitating examination malpractice.
The university had earlier reportedly cancelled a few examination centres and proposed holding examinations only at government colleges to curb malpractice. However, the proposal remains unimplemented.
Critics also question the selection of examination centres, alleging that several centres previously accused of permitting mass copying have once again been designated for the ongoing examinations. They have further raised concerns over the selection of multiple centres within the same locality. In Vizianagaram, both Maharaja College and a private college have been designated as examination centres, while two colleges have been selected in Gajapathinagaram. Similar concerns have also been raised over examination centres in Srikakulam, Tadepalli, and a few other locations.
Critics further allege that students at some private colleges are permitted to use textbooks during examinations, adding that repeated complaints have failed to prompt effective corrective action by the university.
Around 76,000 candidates are appearing for the undergraduate and postgraduate examinations being conducted by the Centre for Distance Education across the State.
Responding to the allegations, Centre for Distance Education Director Appalanaidu said the university had put in place adequate measures to ensure the examinations were conducted fairly. He said an eight-member special flying squad had been constituted to monitor examination centres and prevent instances of mass copying.