NIOS Examination Scandal: Three Detained in Nandan Nagar as Answer-Script Writing Allegedly Continues 24 Hours After Exam

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, November 4, 2026

A fresh controversy has erupted over the conduct of National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) examinations in Tripura after police reportedly detained three persons from Nandan Nagar in connection with alleged examination irregularities. The detained individuals have been identified as Bikram Debbarma, Amit Debbarma and Prasenjit Debbarma.

According to reports, police raided a house in Nandan Nagar and recovered examination answer scripts, raising serious questions about the integrity of the examination process. The most disturbing allegation is that answer scripts were allegedly being written even 24 hours after the examination had concluded. The incident has triggered widespread concern among students, parents and education observers, with questions being raised about possible organised malpractice in the conduct of NIOS examinations in the state.

The latest developments come amid a series of allegations concerning the conduct of NIOS secondary and senior secondary examinations at three examination centres: Sachindranagar Colony High School, Tripura Loka Shikshalaya High School and Dwarkai Cherra High School.

Tripurainfo.com investigations reportedly uncovered several irregularities, including alleged advance circulation of question papers, suspicious answer sheets, the presence of outsiders at examination centres and claims that some candidates left examination halls within 15 to 20 minutes without completing their answer scripts.

At Sachindranagar Colony High School, headmaster Tuhin Dewan initially reportedly claimed that question papers and answer sheets had been downloaded from the NIOS website. He later allegedly stated that the documents had been received through WhatsApp from a person identified as Ramani Debbarma. The reported change in explanation has raised questions about the source and authorised distribution of examination materials.

At Tripura Loka Shikshalaya High School, questions were reportedly raised with examination in-charge and teacher James Debbarma and headmistress Geeta Debbarma regarding the handling of examination materials. However, investigating journalists team alleged that they did not receive satisfactory explanations. An individual identified as Ashok Debbarma allegedly threatened journalists during their inquiry. School authorities reportedly stated that he was not an employee of the institution. He allegedly left after police from Jirania police station arrived at the centre. Questions have also been raised about the seals and signatures on answer sheets used at the centre.

At Dwarkai Cherra High School, headmaster Amrit Debbarma reportedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the source of question papers and answer sheets. The allegations concerning all three centres have raised concerns about the security of examination materials and the supervision of the examination process.

Among the most serious allegations is that candidates were allegedly being promised examination passes in exchange for payments ranging from Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000, irrespective of their academic preparation. The alleged involvement of certain school heads, teachers and members of School Management Committees (SMCs) has also come under scrutiny.

Further questions have emerged over claims that journalists received eight copies of documents purported to be original NIOS question papers four to five hours before an examination. The authenticity of these documents and how they were obtained remain to be established.

The allegations have raised serious questions about the monitoring and supervision of NIOS examinations in Tripura. With similar claims emerging from three examination centres, education observers are asking whether the incidents are isolated lapses or evidence of a wider organised network. The state government, Education Department and NIOS authorities are being urged to clarify how examination materials were sourced, distributed and safeguarded, and whether adequate checks were in place at the centres concerned.

The controversy has also prompted concerns about the future of genuine students who prepare honestly for examinations. If candidates can allegedly secure passes through malpractice or financial transactions, the credibility of educational qualifications and future recruitment processes could be seriously undermined. Students who work hard to earn their qualifications risk being disadvantaged if examination irregularities are allowed to go unchecked.

There are growing demands for an impartial, high-level investigation into the allegations. The proposed inquiry should examine CCTV footage from all three centres, attendance registers, examination schedules, question paper distribution records, answer-script collection procedures and any available evidence of financial transactions. Investigators should also establish whether candidates who allegedly left examination halls unusually early had their answer scripts and attendance records properly verified.

If the allegations are substantiated, strict legal and departmental action should be taken against all those responsible, irrespective of their positions. At the same time, the interests of innocent candidates must be protected so that students who followed the rules are not unfairly penalised.

The detention of the three Nandan Nagar residents has brought the NIOS examination controversy into sharper focus. The central question now is whether the authorities will undertake a transparent investigation and restore confidence in the examination system.

more news...