In a shocking revelation, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has exposed an alleged examination fraud involving the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM). According to Sarma, the university’s Chancellor, Mahbubul Hoque, had promised higher marks to students in their CBSE examinations in exchange for financial gains. The revelations have triggered widespread concerns regarding the credibility of USTM and its role in academic malpractice.
Taking to social media, Sarma shared a list of students who were allegedly promised inflated marks in their CBSE exams by USTM authorities. He wrote:
“These are the names of students who were promised higher marks in their CBSE examination by the owner of USTM, Mahbubul Hoque. @assampolice is enquiring into the matter, and a case has been registered. This is a serious matter, and we seek cooperation from all concerned.”
The disclosure has sparked major concerns in the education sector, raising questions about the authenticity of degrees and marks issued by private institutions like USTM.
Arrest of USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque
The controversy intensified following the arrest of USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque on February 21, 2025. He was taken into custody in a late-night operation at his Ghoramara residence in Guwahati after law enforcement officials gathered enough evidence of his involvement in the scam.
The allegations against Hoque suggest that he manipulated examination results for financial benefits and falsely assured students of securing high marks in the CBSE Class 12 Physics examination. The fraudulent activities reportedly took place at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Sribhumi district, where 274 students appeared for the exam, including 214 students from the ERD Group.
According to police reports, the “promised assistance” failed to materialize, leading to chaos at the examination center when students realized they would not receive the promised undue advantage.
Police Investigation into the USTM Examination Fraud
With the fraud case gaining momentum, the Assam Police have launched an extensive investigation into USTM’s activities. Authorities suspect that the university may have been engaged in broader academic fraud, including issuing fake degrees and certificates without conducting proper examinations.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma had previously raised concerns about USTM’s credibility, claiming that the institution was involved in the sale of fake degrees and PhD qualifications. This latest revelation regarding CBSE exam manipulation has further tarnished USTM’s reputation and highlighted major loopholes in academic regulations for private universities.
Currently, Mahbubul Hoque remains in police custody and has been transferred to Sribhumi for further questioning. Investigators believe that additional details about fraudulent activities at USTM will emerge as the case unfolds.
Implications of the USTM Examination Scam
The exposure of the USTM fraud case has serious implications for the education system, particularly for private universities in India. Key concerns raised by the case include:
1. Loss of Trust in Private Universities
If the allegations against USTM are proven true, it could severely impact the reputation of private universities, particularly those operating in the Northeast region. Prospective students and parents may lose confidence in private institutions, fearing that academic integrity is compromised.
2. Stricter Government Regulations on Examinations
The case is likely to prompt government intervention to introduce stricter monitoring mechanisms for private institutions. The University Grants Commission (UGC) and CBSE may consider new regulations to prevent exam malpractice and academic fraud.
3. Legal Consequences for Those Involved
As the investigation progresses, there is a high possibility of legal action against those found guilty. This could include USTM officials, exam center authorities, and students who knowingly participated in the scam. The legal consequences may involve criminal charges, heavy fines, and possible shutdown of the university if gross violations are proven.
4. Crackdown on Fake Degree Issuance
With the USTM scandal bringing attention to fake degree rackets, law enforcement agencies may expand their investigations to other private universities suspected of similar practices. This could lead to a nationwide crackdown on academic fraud and illegal degree-selling businesses.
Government and Public Reactions
The USTM scandal has sparked outrage among students, parents, and educational experts. Many have called for strict action against fraudulent institutions and demanded transparency in academic processes.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has assured the public that no institution will be allowed to exploit students and undermine academic integrity. He also urged students and parents to report any suspicious activities related to exam fraud or fake degree issuance.
Educational bodies such as CBSE and the UGC are now expected to tighten regulations and ensure proper oversight of private universities.
The USTM fraud case has brought to light serious concerns about academic corruption in India. With Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma exposing the scandal, law enforcement agencies are taking strong measures to ensure accountability and transparency in the education sector.
As the police investigation into USTM and Mahbubul Hoque continues, the case highlights the urgent need for reforms in private universities. Authorities must take strict action against those responsible, ensuring that such fraudulent practices do not compromise the future of students.
The USTM case serves as a warning for all educational institutions—integrity and transparency must be maintained at all costs to preserve the credibility of India’s education system.
