Mumbai: The State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell on Saturday issued a clarification regarding "misleading reports" on social media that claimed student data security has been compromised.
The clarification comes after “complaints about fraudulent calls to candidates promising an increase in their percentiles” in the upcoming CET exams for Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Management Studies (MMS), scheduled between April 1 and 3. An FIR has also been lodged, and the individuals involved have been arrested.
“CET examinations are conducted in a transparent manner, and students and parents should not fall prey to rumours,” the CET Cell stated. The clarification also addressed concerns regarding security measures, emphasising that "various steps have been taken to ensure a smooth and fair examination process." Admit cards will be verified through QR codes at exam centres, and candidates' identities will be authenticated using facial recognition technology and biometric attendance.
“All examination centres have CCTV surveillance, and live footage is monitored at the CET Cell headquarters,” the statement added. To further strengthen security, supervisors at each exam centre have been provided with body cameras, it added.
Additionally, the verification of candidates' identities will be carried out using original documents such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Passport, by senior government officials (Group-A officers) appointed as centre heads. Regional-level coordination officers, including Deputy Directors of Technical Education, have also been appointed, along with district-level coordination officers to resolve any issues at exam centres. Flying squads will conduct surprise inspections across all centres.
However, despite the CET Cell’s assurance, some candidates remain worried. “I received a call from an unknown number, claiming they could boost my CET percentile for a fee. It was unsettling because they had my application details," a candidate preparing for the MBA entrance test said, claiming they received a call from one such "fraudsters".
“It felt like an official was talking because they had all the details. Not only the application details, but also my exam date, the centre, and even the exam slot. If fraudsters have access to such details, how can we be sure our data is truly safe,” another CET aspirant added.
The CET Cell also confirmed that the MBA/MMS CET exams for postgraduate admissions will be conducted in two sessions – from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM – across 174 centres in Maharashtra and other states. A total of 1.57 lakh candidates are expected to appear.
To maintain law and order, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Higher and Technical Education Department has instructed Police Commissioners and Superintendents to provide adequate security at exam centres.
“Students should not fall for any fraudulent offers or false promises. They should take the exams in a stress-free environment,” the CET Cell stated in its appeal.
