A recent examination designed to assess eligibility for research scholarships at prestigious institutes such as Sarthi, Barthi, and Mahajyoti has ignited a wave of controversy in Pune and across the state.
The qualifying exam, conducted in various divisions, including Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Kolhapur, Nagpur, and Pune, has drawn the ire of students who discovered that the question paper was a direct reproduction of the SET (State Eligibility Test) 2019 question paper.
The responsibility for overseeing the exam’s administration fell on Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), while the crafting of the question paper was entrusted to the Maharashtra State Eligibility Test (MH-SET) Department of Savitribai Phule Pune University.
A total of 3,473 PhD candidates participated in the test for 200 available seats, comprising 1,329 Sarathi, 1,383 Mahajyoti students, and 761 Barthi students. The dissatisfaction among these students was evident as they voiced their displeasure at what they considered a blatant “copy-paste” approach.
Upon scrutiny of the question paper, it became apparent that not only the content but also the sequence of questions closely mirrored the SET-2019 paper. This discovery prompted students to raise concerns, urging a thorough reevaluation of the examination system.
Some students argue that, instead of allocating funds for exams, the government should direct resources towards providing fellowships directly to registered students.
In the aftermath of the examination, a formal complaint was filed with the authorities of Sarthi, Barthi, and Mahajyoti.
Students are now demanding a comprehensive inquiry into the situation, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency.
They call on the government to take decisive action against those responsible for the current situation.
Allegations have emerged, suggesting that the question papers were not adequately sealed when distributed in the test rooms, as reported by the Pune Mirror.
This sequence of events has led to student skepticism regarding SPPU’s integrity and has raised questions about the practices of Mahajyoti, Sarthi, and Barthi.