MSCE withholds TET results of 2,041 candidates

Earlier this year, an investigation by the Pune cyber police revealed alleged malpractices in the exam results.

The Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) has found that the 2,041 candidates, who were allegedly involved in malpractices related to the Teachers’ Eligibility Test (TET) in 2018 and 2019, have appeared for the latest 2020 exam conducted in November 2021. Hence, the exam council has refused to issue certificates to them.

The results for the 2020 TET exam were declared in October this year (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE)

The results for the 2020 TET exam were declared in October this year. Of these 2,041 candidates, 117 have approached the council challenging the decision. Among the applicants who have challenged the council’s decision, 33 have passes the exam without using any unfair means. However, the exam council has withheld their results citing their alleged involvement in malpractices related to previous TET exams.

TET has been conducted since 2013 after the Maharashtra government implemented the right to education (RTE) to shortlist candidates for the post of primary or upper primary teacher in schools of the state. Earlier this year, an investigation by the Pune cyber police revealed alleged malpractices in the exam results. In January this year, a probe by the Pune police revealed that the marks of some of the candidates had been allegedly tampered with in exchange for money.

A list of 7,880 candidates was prepared for their alleged involvement in the scam under three categories. Around 7,500 candidates, in exchange for money paid to officials and touts, increased marks to qualify for the exam. At least 293 candidates procured fake certificates even as they failed the exam while 87 got in touch with accused for malpractices. As per MSCE, these candidates have been disqualified and barred from appearing in the exam.

Sharad Gosavi, former MSCE chairman, said, “The hearing of the candidates who have approached the council has been taken up by the examination cell. However, the results are yet to be out. After the investigation by the Pune police, we had decided to debar these candidates for life from attempting the examination. It is likely that the examination cell will stand by its earlier order to debar them. There are various petitions filed by the students across Maharashtra and we are planning to club them as one and fight the case in Mumbai.”

MSCE this year also scrutinised all the 7,500 candidates who appeared for TET exam between 2013 and 2017 after the malpractice scam was brought to light. Officials confirmed that all results were authentic during this time period.

“We have scrutinised the test results as per our records and candidates between 2013 and 2017 were authentic,” said Gosavi.

The charge of MSCE chairman was handed to Mahesh Palkar by Gosavi late evening on November 25.

“I will be able to give information only after I get the details regarding the same,” said Palkar.