NIOS Examination Scandal in Tripura : Questions Raised Over Examination Centres in Jirania and Jampuijala
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, November 4, 2026
A preliminary police investigation into alleged large-scale irregularities in the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) examinations in Tripura has raised suspicions of a wider network involving examination intermediaries and potentially influential individuals. Three persons have been arrested following the recovery of examination-related materials, while investigators are examining whether the alleged racket extends beyond the individuals already detained.
The controversy has also brought the selection of examination centres in remote areas under intense scrutiny, particularly three schools in Jirania and Jampuijala where journalists reportedly detected serious irregularities during their investigations.
Questions are being raised about why NIOS authorities selected these relatively remote locations for examinations when candidates from across Tripura, including Dharmanagar in the north and Santirbazar in the south, reportedly travel to these centres to appear for their examinations. The apparent absence of a substantial number of local candidates at some of these centres has further intensified concerns about the rationale behind their selection.
The three schools that have emerged at the centre of the controversy are Jirania Sachinnagar Colony High School, Tripura Lok Shikshalaya High School and Jampuijala Dwarkai Chhara High School. Journalistic investigations at these institutions reportedly revealed discrepancies concerning the source of question papers and answer sheets, the handling of examination documents and the conduct of individuals present at the centres.
The questions surrounding these schools have now become a major focus of public concern. Why were examination centres located in such remote areas selected for candidates travelling from distant districts? Who recommended these institutions, and what criteria were followed in approving them? Were adequate safeguards in place to prevent unauthorised access to examination materials?
The police investigation gained momentum after a raid at a residence in Nandannagar's Marak Para area of Agartala on November 3. Acting on intelligence inputs, a team led by Sub-Inspector Biranlal Jamatia searched the residence of Ratindra Reang at around 8:35 am and allegedly recovered a substantial quantity of written answer books and photocopies of Class X and Class XII answer books associated with NIOS examinations.
Three persons identified as Ujjal Debbarma, 40, alias Sanjit, a staff nurse originally from Baramaidan under Baijalbari Police Station in Khowai district; Biswajit Debbarma, 30, of Golagathi Dayaram Para under Takharjala Police Station in Sepahijala district; and Prasanjit Debbarma, 37, of Baramaidan under Baijalbari Police Station in Khowai district, were arrested after allegedly failing to provide satisfactory explanations regarding their possession of the materials.
The case was registered at NCC Police Station as Case No. 2026 NCC 093 under Sections 318(4), 336(3), 340(2) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The investigation is being conducted by Women Sub-Inspector Upashana Debbarma.
Earlier allegations had also pointed to the possibility of answer scripts being written or manipulated even after examinations had concluded. The recovery of examination materials has intensified suspicions that the alleged malpractice may involve the illegal procurement, storage, exchange or circulation of answer scripts.
The controversy has raised serious questions about the possible involvement of NIOS authorities, school managements, outsourced agencies responsible for examination-related arrangements and certain officials associated with Agartala's Head Post Office.
Earlier reports also alleged that question papers had reached journalists several hours before examinations, that suspicious answer sheets were being used and that some candidates were leaving examination centres within 15 to 20 minutes without writing answers. Allegations of candidates being promised passes in exchange for payments ranging from Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 have further deepened the controversy.
The authenticity of documents reportedly circulated before examinations, as well as the seals and signatures appearing on certain answer sheets, remains to be verified by the investigating authorities.
The central question now is whether the alleged irregularities represent isolated acts by a few individuals or a coordinated operation involving examination centres, intermediaries and other institutional actors across Tripura.
With candidates travelling considerable distances to sit for examinations at the three questioned schools, the selection and supervision of these centres have become critical issues. NIOS authorities and the state government are facing growing demands for a transparent investigation into the centre-allocation process, the role of outsourced agencies and the security of examination materials.
The alleged scandal has raised concerns not only about examination integrity but also about the future of thousands of students whose qualifications and career prospects depend on a fair and credible examination system. A comprehensive investigation is now essential to establish accountability and restore public confidence in NIOS examinations in Tripura.
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