In a surprising move, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University has decided not to punish nearly 400 students caught cheating during its March 2026 exams. Instead of fines or bans, the university will send them for counselling and inquiry hearings.
This marks a major shift from traditional disciplinary action, where students are usually fined or barred from exams.
What Happened During the Exams
The cheating cases involved a wide range of methods, highlighting how exam malpractice is evolving:
- Use of mobile phones and AI tools like ChatGPT
- Hidden notes on clothes, benches, and even body parts
- Carrying chits and unauthorized materials
- Slipping currency notes into answer sheets requesting to “pass”
Officials confirmed that some students even used digital tools to generate answers during the exam itself.
Inquiry Committee to Hear Students
Instead of immediate punishment, students are being presented before a five-member malpractice inquiry committee. The panel includes academic leaders, legal experts, and university officials.
The goal is to understand why students resorted to cheating, rather than simply penalizing them.
Out of the total cases:
- Over 200 students were called for hearings
- Some students have been recommended for psychological counselling
This approach has been termed by the university as “education with understanding.”
Why This Approach Is Different
Traditionally, VNSGU and other universities have taken strict action against cheating. For example, in previous years, students were fined or barred from exams for months.
However, this time, the university believes that:
- Punishment alone may not solve the problem
- Academic pressure and mental stress could be key drivers
- A corrective approach may reduce repeat offences
Debate: Reform or Leniency?
The decision has sparked debate:
Supporters say:
- It promotes reform over punishment
- Addresses root causes like stress and pressure
- Encourages students to improve behavior
Critics argue:
- It may weaken exam discipline
- Could send the wrong message about accountability
- Risks normalizing malpractice
A Changing Education Landscape
The incident also highlights a broader trend—technology is reshaping cheating methods. From chits to AI tools, the challenge for institutions is growing rapidly.
VNSGU’s move signals a shift toward rehabilitative education policies, but whether it succeeds will depend on long-term outcomes.
Summary
VNSGU has chosen counselling over punishment for nearly 400 students caught cheating in 2026 exams. Instead of fines or bans, students will face inquiry hearings and psychological guidance. The move aims to address root causes like stress and evolving cheating methods, including AI use, but has sparked debate over whether it promotes reform or weakens discipline.
