Maharashtra CET Cell Assures Safety of Student Data Amid Fraud Claims; Announces Security Steps For MBA/MMS Exams

The State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell on Saturday released a clarification about "misleading reports" on social media that alleged student data security has been compromised.

The clarification follows "complaints about spurious calls to candidates offering an improvement in their percentiles" in the coming CET exams for Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Management Studies (MMS) to be held between April 1 and 3. An FIR has been filed too, and the culprits have been arrested.

"CET exams are being held in a transparent way, and students and parents must not fall victim to rumours," the CET Cell said. The statement also allayed fears over security checks, pointing out that "multiple measures have been put in place to ensure an unproblematic and fair examination process." Admit cards will be scanned using QR codes at exam centers, while candidates' identities will be verified by facial recognition software and biometric attendance.

"Each of the exam centers is under CCTV surveillance, and live coverage is monitored from the CET Cell headquarters," the statement continued. For added security, supervisors at every exam center have also been given body cameras, it added.

Also, the authentication of candidates' identities will be done with original documents like Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Passport by senior government officers (Group-A officers) as centre heads. Regional-level coordination officers, Deputy Directors of Technical Education, and district-level coordination officers have also been designated for resolving any difficulties at exam centres. Flying squads will also do surprise visits in all centres.

But even after the CET Cell's assurance, some candidates are still apprehensive. "I got a call from an unknown number, saying they could improve my CET percentile for a price. It was disturbing because they had my application information," said a candidate who is preparing for the MBA entrance test, alleging that they got a call from one such "fraudsters.".

It seemed an official was speaking because they had every detail. Not just the application details, but also my exam date, the centre, and even the exam time. If the fraudsters can get access to such information, how do we know our data is really safe," another CET aspirant said.

The CET Cell also announced that the MBA/MMS CET postgraduate admission exams will be held in two sessions – 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM – at 174 centres in Maharashtra and other states. A total of 1.57 lakh candidates are likely to appear.

To ensure law and order, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Higher and Technical Education Department has directed Police Commissioners and Superintendents to ensure proper security at exam centres.

"Students should not fall prey to any false promises or fraudulent offers. They should appear for the exams in a relaxed state of mind," the CET Cell said in its appeal.