Several YouTube channels were booked for allegedly leaking the Periodic Assessment Test (PAT) exam papers on social media in Pune.
Regarding the matter, an FIR was registered at Vishrambaug Police Station on Wednesday evening by Sangita Shinde, Assistant Director of Education at the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT).
According to the official complaint, PAT exams were started by the state government in 2021 for Classes 3 to 9 to monitor academic development in subjects like Marathi (first language), Mathematics, and English (third language).
Since 2023, SCERT has been organising a unified basic test for all government, semi-government, and aided schools across Maharashtra from August 6 to 8.
Regarding the exam, a notification was circulated to education officers, district administrative officials, and education inspectors across the state, including Mumbai.
Following the schedule, between July 17 and 31, the required exam materials were dispatched via a private cargo service. Soon, it was found that the paper had gone viral on a few YouTube channels.
Police Inspector Arun Ghodke said, “The question papers were prepared and printed in Pune and dispatched to schools across the state. The tests for Marathi, English, and Mathematics were scheduled on August 7 and 8. However, a few YouTube channels circulated the paper before the exam.”
Whether the leaked papers are genuine or fake is a part of the investigation. The paper was not packed under any specialised seal or stamp. Voice search incidents in the future will be monitored. A case has been registered.
