IGNOU Exam Papers Reportedly Being Sold on Telegram for Rs 199; University Denies Leak Claims

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has stated that it has found no evidence of a question paper leak during the ongoing June-July 2026 Term-End Examinations (TEE), despite allegations that some papers were being offered for sale on Telegram.

According to reports, question papers for several subjects were allegedly being sold online for ₹199 each through Telegram channels. Following complaints from students, IGNOU headquarters issued an advisory to regional centres and examination authorities, directing them to strengthen security measures at examination venues.

In a communication sent to regional directors on June 4, the university's Student Evaluation Division acknowledged receiving complaints from learners regarding individuals claiming to possess examination papers and offering them for sale online. The communication reportedly included screenshots of chats and messages allegedly promoting the sale of question papers.

Students also reportedly received emails claiming that papers for subjects such as Macroeconomic Analysis and others could be accessed through Telegram channels for a fee. The messages allegedly promised access to question papers up to two hours before the examination and, in some cases, offered answer solutions as well. After receiving the complaints, IGNOU said the matter was immediately reported to the police for investigation.

However, the university clarified that no regional centre, examination centre, or any other credible source had reported any confirmed question paper leak. As a result, it found no grounds to support the allegations and stated that there was no need to constitute an inquiry committee at this stage. Despite dismissing the claims as unverified, IGNOU directed examination centres to tighten security arrangements. Centres were instructed to deploy observers, restrict the use of mobile phones by staff members, prevent unauthorised access to examination venues, and ensure confidential question papers remained under the personal custody of centre superintendents.

The June-July 2026 Term-End Examinations began on June 1 and will continue until July 21. Nearly nine lakh students are appearing for examinations across more than 900 centres covering approximately 2,000 courses. Exams are being conducted in two shifts daily — from 10 AM to 1 PM and from 2 PM to 5 PM.

Meanwhile, the allegations surfaced alongside reports of another examination-related issue. On June 9, some centres allegedly received an incorrect question paper for a postgraduate-level examination. Reports claimed that a correction notice was issued after the examination session had already begun, directing centres to discard the paper initially dispatched and download the correct version from the university portal. Teachers reportedly alleged that the delayed communication may have resulted in some centres using the wrong paper before receiving the revised instructions.

Responding to the claims, IGNOU maintained that the incorrect paper was withdrawn and replaced before the examination commenced. The university acknowledged that around 200 centres had received the wrong paper but asserted that no examination was ultimately conducted using the incorrect question paper. The university has reiterated that all examinations are continuing as scheduled and that no papers have been cancelled in connection with the alleged Telegram leak claims.