Optometry job aspirants protest alleged exam paper leak, demand cancellation and re-examination. Candidates highlight irregularities, missing OMR copies, and leaked questions shared on WhatsApp, urging the health department to ensure transparency and fairness in recruitment.
In a strong show of dissent, hundreds of optometry job aspirants submitted a deputation to the Director of the Health Department on Thursday, demanding the cancellation of the recently held recruitment examination and the announcement of a fresh, transparent re-test.
The controversy erupted after question papers with answers allegedly circulated on WhatsApp just days before the exam. According to multiple candidates, the leaked materials matched 70–80 percent of the actual test content, sparking widespread outrage and suspicion of a major breach in examination integrity.
Claims of Paper Leak and Procedural Lapses
Job seekers alleged that the exam paper was leaked prior to the scheduled test, undermining the fairness of the recruitment process. Many candidates claimed that the question set they received during the test bore a striking resemblance to those shared in online groups earlier that week.
Adding to the controversy, aspirants reported that neither the question papers nor the OMR carbon copies were returned to them after the exam — a practice typically followed to ensure transparency and accountability. This irregularity has deepened doubts about the conduct of the examination and its evaluation process.
Errors, Incomplete Options, and Quality Concerns
Several candidates also pointed out errors and incomplete options in multiple questions, which they said made it difficult to choose the correct answers. They alleged that the standard of the paper was inconsistent with previous examinations and that a significant number of questions appeared to be lifted directly from online PDFs, practice sets, and unofficial study links available on public platforms.
“This was not just carelessness — it looks like a coordinated act,” said one of the protesting candidates. “When 80 percent of the leaked paper matches the actual exam, it’s impossible to call it fair. We demand a full investigation and a re-exam.”
OMR Distribution Under Scrutiny
In addition to the alleged leak, aspirants have raised concerns over irregular distribution of OMR sheets in several exam centers. Reports suggest that some candidates were issued OMR sheets late, while others claimed discrepancies in barcodes and sheet numbers. These inconsistencies have further raised doubts about whether the recruitment process was handled in compliance with standard protocols.
“Every year we prepare sincerely for these exams, but such irregularities destroy our trust in the system,” said another candidate. “When papers are leaked and procedures are violated, deserving students suffer while others gain unfair advantage.”
Protest and Deputation to Health Director
The aspirants gathered peacefully outside the Health Directorate office and submitted a formal deputation to the Director, urging the authorities to cancel the tainted exam and conduct a fresh test under strict supervision.
After the deputation was received, the candidates addressed the media, expressing frustration and disappointment over the administration’s silence. They demanded immediate action, including:
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An inquiry into the alleged paper leak.
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Cancellation of the compromised examination.
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A re-examination conducted under enhanced surveillance and transparency measures.
They also appealed for the formation of an independent committee to probe the incident and hold accountable those responsible for the leak and procedural lapses.
Call for Transparency and Fair Opportunity
The protest has brought renewed attention to the need for exam reforms in public recruitment processes, particularly in the health sector. Experts say that with the growing use of digital tools, authorities must strengthen exam security and introduce technology-backed monitoring systems to prevent leaks and malpractice.
As the demand for justice intensifies, the Health Department is yet to issue an official response to the allegations. However, sources within the department indicated that a preliminary review may be conducted to verify the authenticity of the claims.
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For now, thousands of job aspirants across the state wait anxiously, hoping their voices for fairness and transparency will be heard — and that their hard-earned future will not be determined by corruption or negligence.
