Patiala | (Gurminder Samad) Samvadpatar

To independently verify the claims of repetition, the question papers were systematically compared and documented. Samvadpatar has prepared eight separate evidence slides, where identical questions have been matched using the same colour-coded symbols, and examination dates from the official date sheets have been highlighted using dotted lines. Published in the end of this story.

This visual documentation clearly demonstrates that a substantial portion of the Punjabi question paper—covering approximately 56 marks out of 70—was repeated across different programmes. These slides are preserved as record-based evidence and can be produced before any academic or regulatory authority if required. 

Serious concerns have emerged regarding the conduct of the first-ever autonomous final examinations at Multani Mal Modi College, raising troubling questions about academic integrity, transparency, and institutional preparedness.

A group of students and stakeholders have approached authorities alleging grave irregularities during the examination process, particularly related to the Punjabi compulsory paper conducted in December 2025. The issues have reportedly caused widespread anxiety among students and parents and have cast a shadow over the credibility of the autonomous examination system introduced by the college.

Identical Punjabi Question Paper Across Multiple Courses

According to information available with Samvadpatar, the Punjabi examination held on 15 December 2025 for BBA-I, BCA-I, and B.Voc-I students was allegedly identical to the Punjabi question paper earlier conducted for B.Com-I students on 12 December 2025.

If confirmed, the repetition of the same question paper across different programmes would constitute a serious breach of examination confidentiality and academic integrity, particularly under an autonomous framework where higher standards of assessment design are expected.

Students have pointed out that the overlap was not marginal. On preliminary comparison, the question papers reportedly matched for approximately 56 marks out of 70, indicating substantial repetition rather than coincidence.

Re-Examination on 24 December, but Silence from Authorities

Sources confirm that the affected Punjabi examination is now being conducted again on 24 December 2025. However, no official notice, corrigendum, or public clarification has been issued by Modi College explaining:

  • why the paper was repeated,
  • under what authority the re-examination was ordered, and
  • how fairness will be ensured for students attempting the paper for a second time.

Equally concerning is the complete silence from Punjabi University, whose examination branch has not issued any statement clarifying its role or position in the matter.

This raises a fundamental question:
What is the current academic and examination relationship between Punjabi University Patiala and Modi College under the autonomous model, and who exercises oversight when irregularities arise?

Allegations of Suppression and Administrative Inaction

Students allege that when the issue of the identical question paper was brought to the notice of the Controller of Examinations at Modi College, it was reportedly ignored, and students were advised to “remain silent.”

Such an approach, if true, is deeply problematic. Experts point out that suppressing legitimate academic grievances directly affects students’ academic credibility, confidence, and future prospects.

Despite the seriousness of the issue, there is no public information on:

  • any inquiry initiated against the Examination Head,
  • any action taken against the Conduct Branch,
  • any review ordered against the Dean Academics,
  • All these disciplinary steps to be initiated by the Principal of the college.

UGC Norms on Question Paper Setting Under Scrutiny

Another critical issue emerging from the episode relates to UGC guidelines for autonomous institutions. As per standard UGC norms and best practices:

  • Question papers should be prepared through a panel of subject experts.
  • Inputs must be invited from multiple teachers to ensure diversity, balance, and originality.
  • Repetition of questions across programmes and examinations must be strictly avoided.

However, samvadpatar.com sources claim that question papers were not invited from multiple teachers, raising doubts about whether the minimum academic process was followed.

Additionally, academic reviewers have pointed out visible patterns of repetition and generic structuring, leading to concerns that the question paper may have been AI-generated or mechanically assembled, without proper academic moderation. While this claim requires technical verification, the visible repetition has intensified scrutiny.

Who Is Accountable in an Autonomous System?

The silence of key academic authorities has raised uncomfortable questions:

  • What role is the Dean Academic playing?
  • Has the Examination Head, Pbi Uni sought an explanation from college?
  • Is the Trust Management of Modi College conducting an internal review?
  • Has any formal communication taken place between Modi College and Punjabi University examination authorities?

If autonomy translates only into cost-cutting—reportedly saving ₹20–30 million annually on examinations—without corresponding accountability, critics argue that the model risks becoming a hollow administrative exercise.

A senior academic remarked anonymously:

“If degrees can be issued without rigorous examinations, one wonders why institutions don’t simply sell certificates on Amazon-Flipcart.”

Assurance Given, but No Written Communication

Samvadpatar has learned that Mr. Neeraj, Principle, Modi College, reportedly assured Gurminder Singh Samad that a corrigendum or official notice would be published regarding the re-examination dates for students who are appearing for the Punjabi paper a second time.

As of the publication of this report, no such notice is available in the public domain.

Call for Transparency and Independent Inquiry

Stakeholders are now demanding:

  • a written explanation from Modi College,
  • disclosure of the question paper setting process,
  • clarification of Punjabi University’s oversight role,
  • and an independent academic inquiry into the conduct of the examinations.

Autonomy, educationists warn, cannot mean insulation from scrutiny. Without transparency and accountability, the credibility of autonomous education itself comes under question.

Samvadpatar will continue to follow this story.

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