Class 12 results: 167 students score centum in Chemistry at Villupuram school, triggers malpractice allegations

CHENNAI: As 251 class 12 students from Gingee knock it out of the park with a centum in the Chemistry examination, educators and the public are surprised and shifting their focus on possible malpractice, said a Maalaimalar report.

Of the 251 students, 167 were from the Gingee Government Girls Higher Secondary School. Among the other centum scorers, 17 were from Government Boys Higher Secondary School, 11 were from Ananthapuram Government School, 14 were from Avalurpet Government Boys School, seven were from Sathyamangalam Government School, and 35 were from a private exam centre in Gingee.

This scale of achievement, particularly the high number of full scores from the government girls’ school, is unprecedented and has raised eyebrows among educators, teachers, and students alike. Concerns have been voiced that such an outcome may not have been possible without irregularities.

Allegations have surfaced suggesting that teachers might have assisted students during the exam or that the question paper may have been leaked in advance and answers provided to students.

People have demanded a thorough investigation and appropriate action against those responsible for any malpractice.

District chief education officer Arivazhagan refuted the allegations, stating, “A total of 414 students from three schools appeared for the Chemistry exam at the Gingee Government Girls School exam centre. Among them, 65 students were from the host school, 91 out of 148 students from one private school, and 11 out of 138 from another private school scored full marks. These students are academically strong and have undergone monthly internal assessments. Teachers trained them diligently, and they also performed well in their half-yearly exams.”

Statewide, 3,181 students secured full marks in chemistry this year. Many students noted that the Chemistry exam was relatively easy.

The flying squads closely monitored all exam centres, and police were deployed at question paper distribution hubs, making malpractice unlikely, said officials. Authorities from the examination department also issued a statement asserting that “there was no evidence of copying, and the students had written their answers based on a strong understanding and preparation.”

Speaking to the media about the incident, Minister for School Education Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi said, “If the excellent training methods at that school helped students achieve perfect scores, we will consider implementing the same across all government schools in Tamil Nadu.”