Ujjain University in row over religious question in B.Com, BCA exam; probe ordered

A major controversy has erupted at Samrat Vikramaditya University in Ujjain after a question stating "There is no one other than Allah" appeared in a Foundation Course exam for B.Com and BCA students. Hindu groups and organizations have called the question sensitive and biased, demanding action against the paper setter. The university administration has referred the matter to an Examination Committee for a thorough investigation into whether the question aligns with the syllabus. The committee's findings will determine if any disciplinary action is taken against those responsible.

Key Points: Ujjain University exam question controversy: probe ordered

  • Religious question in university exam
  • Hindu groups raise objections
  • Social media outrage spreads
  • Examination Committee probe ordered
  • Action promised if rules violated
2 min read

Ujjain University faces row after religious question appears in B.Com, BCA exam paper; probe ordered

Samrat Vikramaditya University faces outrage after a religious question appears in a B.Com, BCA exam. A committee is investigating.

"There is no one other than Allah. - Disputed exam question"

Bhopal/Ujjain, April 9 A major controversy has erupted at Samrat Vikramaditya University in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, after a question in the Foundation Course examination paper for third-year B.Com, BBA, and BCA students sparked widespread outrage.

The disputed question, which appeared as Question No. 45 in the recent exams, stated, "There is no one other than Allah." It provided four multiple-choice options: Someshwar, Khuda, Shaktivan meaning the powerful, and Dand Dene Wala meaning the punisher.

Several organisations and Hindu groups quickly raised objections, describing the question as sensitive, biased, and inappropriate for a general foundation course in a secular academic environment.

They demanded strict action against the paper setter, arguing that it promoted one religious belief over others.

The issue gained significant attention on social media, with posts highlighting the question and calling for accountability from the university located in the sacred city of Ujjain.

Taking the matter seriously, the university administration has referred the issue to the Examination Committee for a thorough investigation.

Registrar Anil Sharma explained that the university's ordinances lay down a clear procedure for handling controversial or inappropriate questions.

The committee of subject experts will now examine whether the question aligns with the prescribed syllabus and academic standards. If any error is found, a notice will be issued to the concerned examiner, and further disciplinary action may follow as per the rules, he said.

The university has described this as purely an academic matter and stated that the final decision will depend solely on the committee's report after reviewing all aspects.

On social media platforms the controversy spread rapidly, with users and organisations sharing images of the question paper and criticising it as an attempt to push religious narrative in an educational setting.

As the Examination Committee begins its probe, students, faculty members, and various groups are awaiting clarity on whether the question will be deleted from evaluation and what consequences, if any, will be imposed on those involved.

The university has assured that the matter will be handled strictly according to established rules while maintaining academic neutrality.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a student myself, I find this shocking. Our education system must remain secular. What if a question about Hindu deities appeared in a similar context? It would cause an uproar too. Neutrality is key. 🤔
R
Rohit P
While the question is clearly inappropriate, let's not jump to conclusions about intent. Might be a genuine error or lack of oversight by the paper setter. The committee should investigate properly and take corrective action. Hope they learn from this.
S
Sarah B
Coming from a multicultural background, I appreciate India's secular ideals. This incident, while unfortunate, shows the system is working—people objected, and the university is investigating. The process matters more than the mistake.
V
Vikram M
Ujjain is a major Hindu pilgrimage site. To have such a question appear in an exam there is especially insensitive. The university administration needs to be more careful. This damages the institution's reputation.
K
Karthik V
The focus should be on the students. They were put in an awkward position during an important exam. The question should be deleted from evaluation entirely. Hope the committee acts swiftly to provide clarity.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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