COMEDK suspends 36 candidates over exam malpractice in Jamshedpur

COMEDK has suspended the candidatures of 36 candidates after a forensic audit uncovered alleged malpractice at three examination centres in Jamshedpur during the COMEDK UGET-2026 entrance test. The candidates have been asked to appear before COMEDK authorities in Bengaluru by July 10 to present their explanations regarding the irregularities.

According to COMEDK’s Executive Secretary, Dr. S. Kumar, the 36 candidates have been barred from participating in the ongoing counselling and seat selection process. Dr. Kumar confirmed that the candidates will remain barred from participating in the counselling and seat selection process until the official enquiry into the alleged malpractice is fully completed.

The irregularities first surfaced during a post-exam audit, which evaluated academic, administrative, and forensic aspects of the test. Following this initial audit, a subsequent technical verification was carried out by the authorities. This verification found credible evidence indicating the involvement of certain candidates and personnel in the malpractice at the three examination centres in Jamshedpur.

The suspended candidates have been asked to appear before the COMEDK authorities in Bengaluru by July 10. During this scheduled appearance, the candidates will be allowed to inspect the evidence of malpractice gathered against them and present their formal explanations before any final action, including cancellation or debarment, is taken.

COMEDK stated that this strict action was initiated under its zero-tolerance policy on examination malpractice. The measures are being taken in accordance with the guidelines specified in the UGET-2026 Information Brochure and the Counselling Handbook. The final action under consideration by the authorities includes the cancellation of candidatures or complete debarment from the examination process.

The Admission Overseeing Committee has also been informed of these developments. Meanwhile, the rest of the counselling schedule for other applicants remains unchanged, with the mock allotment choice filling set to begin on July 11.