Probe Launched in Odisha Medical PG Exam Security Breach
An internal investigation was launched by the Odisha University of Health Sciences after digital photographs of the General Surgery second paper for the MS/MD 2023-26 batch surfaced on WhatsApp groups during an ongoing examination on July 27, 2026. Authorities confirmed that an inquiry is active to determine how images of the question paper were transmitted from inside the test hall despite strict mobile phone bans.
Details of the Digital Security Breach
The issue came to light after a postgraduate student from a private medical college in Bhubaneswar received photos of the question paper online and alerted university officials. The images were allegedly distributed through a messaging group initiated by a student associated with MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, where 154 candidates were sitting for the exam.
Reports also indicated that corresponding answers were being forwarded from select phone numbers while the test was underway. University officials confirmed that the examinations had commenced on July 21, 2026, with remaining papers scheduled for August 1, 2026, and August 5, 2026.
Official Response and University Position
Following the breach, Vice-Chancellor Manas Ranjan Sahoo convened an urgent virtual meeting with principals of all participating medical institutions to enforce heightened security protocols for upcoming tests. Institutional leaders confirmed that security measures are being restructured across centers to prevent electronic transmissions.
Parameter Official Status / Event Details Exam Authority Odisha University of Health Sciences Affected Course General Surgery Paper II (MS/MD 2023-26) Date of Incident July 27, 2026 Primary Location MKCG Medical College and Hospital Remaining Exam Dates August 1, 2026 and August 5, 2026
Harekrushna Dalai, Dean-cum-Principal of MKCG Medical College and Hospital, clarified the university’s stance regarding the terminology of the incident, stating:
'It is not a question paper leak. Had the question paper come out before the exam and reached the students, we could have termed it a leak. But, in this case, the question paper came out from the exam hall.'
He added that administrative teams are investigating what specific electronic devices were smuggled past routine frisking checks to photograph and transmit the materials.
