Recurring incidents in Kerala’s university examinations—such as loss, destruction, or concealment of answer sheets—are increasingly damaging both students' future and the credibility of the universities. A series of troubling events over the past few years have raised serious concerns about the collapse of academic standards in the state.

In Palakkad district, answer sheets for the third-semester MBA exam went missing while being transported by a faculty member on a bike. The university authorities, rather than disclosing the incident to the public or the students, kept it under wraps. Later, students were summoned for a re-exam through a special email communication. The truth only emerged after repeated questioning.

In another case, at a University Institute in Alappuzha, the answer sheets of 32 MBA students were found locked away in a cupboard for over five months, creating a major crisis. It was only after an inquiry that the exam papers were discovered, the examination was annulled, and a re-test conducted.

Previously, incidents such as the burning of PG exam answer sheets in the custody of a faculty member, and the loss of an MBA question paper by another, highlight the unscientific and careless practices in the university system.

More shockingly, in the University College murder attempt case, police found answer sheets and official seals of the Director of Physical Education at the accused's residence—fueling serious allegations of malpractice. There are also strong claims that exam results have been manipulated to "assist" select individuals.

Repeated irregularities like conducting special exams only for certain students, concealing related answer sheets, and protecting responsible staff with mere transfers, are deeply eroding students’ and parents’ confidence in the examination system.

Though surveillance cameras have been installed to secure the answer sheets, serious lapses in procedure and transparency persist. The pattern of shielding faculty and staff from accountability has now turned into a matter of public concern.

To protect the fundamental right of Kerala’s students to a secure future, the examination system must be immediately reformed with modern infrastructure, stringent auditing, and clear accountability. If not, the credibility of educational institutions in the state is at real risk of complete erosion.