Aatif Qayoom
Srinagar, June 7: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (JKBOPEE) on Sunday cancelled the M.Sc Nursing Entrance Examination across J&K after discrepancies were detected in candidate specific OMR answer sheets shortly before the test was scheduled to begin.
The examination was to be conducted at centres in Srinagar and Jammu for 513 candidates, including 348 in Srinagar and 165 in Jammu. However, the test could not commence after officials noticed errors during the mandatory pre examination verification process.
According to officials, sealed examination material was opened shortly before the scheduled start of the examination in the presence of supervisory staff and observers. During the verification, a mismatch was found between the names and roll numbers printed on several OMR answer sheets.
JKBOPEE Chairperson Prof. Meenu Mahajan said the answer sheets are candidate specific and contain details such as the candidate’s name, roll number and photograph. She said the mismatch appeared to have occurred during the printing process, making it impossible to conduct the examination fairly.
The Board subsequently decided to cancel the examination at all centres to safeguard the integrity of the evaluation process and ensure that no candidate was placed at a disadvantage. Since a common merit list is prepared for the entire Union Territory, the examination could not be conducted selectively.
The sudden cancellation caused disappointment among candidates, many of whom had travelled from distant districts to reach the examination centres. Several students expressed concern over the time, effort and expenses incurred in preparing for and attending the examination.
Prof. Mahajan visited the examination centre at SP College Srinagar and interacted with candidates. She acknowledged the inconvenience caused to the aspirants and assured them that their concerns would be addressed.
She also indicated that an inquiry would be initiated to determine the cause of the lapse and fix responsibility. JKBOPEE is expected to issue a fresh notification regarding the rescheduled examination after completing its assessment of the error and related procedural issues.