COMEDK to Overhaul Exam Security and Hire Cybersecurity Experts After Malpractice
The Consortium of Medical, Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka (COMEDK) has decided to hire three cybersecurity experts and implement stricter security measures for future entrance examinations following malpractice during the COMEDK-UGET-2026. The new technical safeguards and operational protocols will officially take effect starting from the 2027 entrance tests.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, COMEDK Secretary S. Kumar said the consortium is developing a more foolproof system with the guidance of three senior cybersecurity experts. Beginning with the 2027 examinations, COMEDK will upload seven sets of question papers instead of the existing four sets. In addition, the password required by centres to access the question papers will be provided only 20 minutes before the examination, down from the previous window of one hour.
The overhaul comes in the wake of malpractice detected at examination centres in Jamshedpur during the 2026 test cycle. Providing an update on the case, Dr. Kumar confirmed that an FIR has been registered with the police in Jamshedpur.
The investigation has faced serious complications, with Dr. Kumar revealing that at least four invigilators who turned approvers and provided statements have disappeared from Jamshedpur after receiving death threats.
Dr. Kumar noted that filing the FIR had been delayed because all three examination centres were locked when COMEDK sent an inspection team to investigate the irregularities. The consortium was subsequently forced to seek police assistance to move forward with the probe.
Describing the incident, Dr. Kumar said the modus operandi was so shocking that even technical partner Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) was caught off guard. He maintained that COMEDK will not abandon the matter and will ensure that everyone involved in the irregularities faces legal action.
