Uttar Pradesh students write 'Jai Shri Ram', names of cricketers in exam; get 50 per cent marks

In a peculiar case, four students from Uttar Pradesh's state-run Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal (VBSP) University in Jaunpur, who wrote nothing but “Jai Shri Ram” and the names of some star cricketers in a recent exam, were awarded 50% marks.

According to a report by the Times of India, the students were studying DPharma (Diploma in Pharmacy).

The incident came to light following an application under the Right to Information (RTI).


After the bizarre revelation, authorities ordered an investigation into the incident, resulting in the four individuals receiving zero marks. The investigation panel has suggested that two teachers who awarded the 50% marks should be dismissed. This will happen after Governor Anandiben Patel approves the action as the chancellor, according to a senior official of the university.

Divyanshu Singh, who was a student at the university in the past, submitted an RTI request questioning the marks of four individuals and lodged a complaint with the governor, leading to an investigation. The reason for Divyanshu filing the plea is unclear, but it is common for rivalries to exist among university students in Uttar Pradesh.

Vandana Singh, the vice-chancellor of VBSP, confirmed the recommendation for taking action against the two teachers. She mentioned that the proposal would be presented to the university's executive committee for approval.

However, it is not the first time such a case has surfaced.

In 2022, the Times of India reported that some students in Bihar wrote Bhojpuri numbers, love letters, and even offered bribes to the examiners after being unable to solve questions.

A girl student from a college in Chhapra, appearing for a practical examination of a chemistry paper, wrote down lyrics of a Bhojpuri singer, "Note Barsela Thore Nathunia Par..." in her answer-sheet. A screenshot of this then went viral on the internet, the report added.