UP university students 'pass' exam by writing 'Jai Shri Ram', cricketers' names

• Eighteen first-year pharmacy students at VBSP University in Jaunpur, UP, awarded passing grades after writing "Jai Shri Ram" and cricketers' names on answer sheets.
• RTI filed by former student leader Divyanshu Singh prompts investigation, resulting in suspension of professors Vinay Verma and Ashish Gupta.
• External evaluation reveals discrepancies, leading to recommendation for dismissal of professors and impending disciplinary action.

Eighteen first-year pharmacy students at Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal (VBSP) University in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, were awarded passing grades or over 50% marks after writing "Jai Shri Ram" and names of cricketers like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya on their answer sheets, an RTI inquiry uncovered. The revelation led to the suspension of two professors, Vinay Verma and Ashish Gupta, accused of extorting money from students for marks.

Divyanshu Singh, a former student leader, filed the RTI in August last year, prompting an investigation initiated by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel after a formal complaint was lodged. Subsequently, a panel was established to probe the alleged discrepancies, culminating in an external evaluation exposing irregularities in the marking process.

Vice-Chancellor Vandana Singh confirmed the recommendation to dismiss the professors involved. Verma, previously embroiled in misconduct allegations, now faces disciplinary action alongside Gupta. The findings will be communicated to Governor Patel for further action, highlighting the university's commitment to upholding academic integrity and fair evaluation processes.