Exam-for-Money Scam in USTM Meghalaya Exposed: 209 Students Promised Higher Marks. See the Names Inside

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed the issue, stating that Assam Police is investigating the matter thoroughly, and urged the public to cooperate with the authorities.

A major exam-for-money scam has rocked the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) and the ERD Foundation, with its chancellor, Mahbubul Hoque, now in 14 days of judicial custody.

Hoque was arrested by the Special Task Force of Assam Police from his residence in Ghoramara, Guwahati, on Friday night and taken to Sribhumi for questioning.

At the center of the scandal is a list of 209 students who were allegedly promised higher CBSE exam marks in exchange for money.

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. pic.twitter.com/9Crax3UP0P

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) February 23, 2025

The scam unraveled at Central Public School in Patharkandi, a school under the ERD Foundation, when 214 students staged a protest in the examination hall, demanding assistance from invigilators. The students claimed that at the time of admission, they were assured that they would receive help inside the exam hall to pass their Class 12 CBSE exams.

Chaos erupted when the promised “assistance” was denied, leading to a law and order situation.

Investigations revealed that the students were enrolled at Central Public School Patharkandi, but many of them believed they were part of USTM Vision-50, a special coaching program run by USTM.

Adding to the controversy, some students alleged that invigilators and faculty members helped 45 local students cheat while ignoring the others. This raised further questions about systematic academic malpractice.

Following the unrest, 5 teachers, including the principal of Central Public School, were arrested.

The 5 arrested persons were identified as Noman Ahmed, Imdadur Rahman, Rejak Ali, Bijoy Dutta and Hiramani Saikia.

All 5 were arrested after allegations were made that these teachers had accepted bribes from candidates to help them pass the Class 12 CBSE exams.

Now, Hoque has been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody, along with 6 other teachers.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed the issue, stating that Assam Police is investigating the matter thoroughly, and urged the public to cooperate with the authorities.

With the list of 209 students now under scrutiny, the investigation is expected to widen, bringing further revelations about the scale of the scam.

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