In a significant development concerning the integrity of national-level exams, the Delhi High Court has ordered a forensic investigation into allegations of scorecard manipulation in the JEE Main 2025 examination. The court has entrusted the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), operating under the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), to carry out this critical probe.
The order came in response to a writ petition filed by two candidates who claimed that their original scorecards for JEE Main Session I had been tampered with. They alleged that the scores initially visible on the National Testing Agency (NTA) website were later replaced with manipulated versions showing incorrect marks.
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Justice Vikas Mahajan, who presided over the matter, directed both petitioners to provide their registered email addresses to the court registry. These would be used by CFSL for digital verification. To maintain confidentiality and integrity of the investigation, the court emphasized:
“Any finding or information received during the investigation shall not be disclosed by CFSL, New Delhi, to any of the parties, as the same might be of sensitive nature.”
The court acknowledged the urgency of the matter, especially since the JEE Advanced 2025 results are scheduled for release on June 2. It requested CFSL to complete the investigation and submit its report in a sealed cover by May 22.
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The petitioners claimed that the original scorecards they had downloaded from the NTA’s website were no longer accessible and had been replaced by altered versions. They also submitted response sheets which they claimed were inconsistent with the new scores.
The NTA, on its part, denied any manipulation. Its counsel asserted that scorecards were emailed directly to the candidates and that all data handling, including uploading, was done by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). The NIC had further certified that there was no tampering in either the scorecards or response sheets.
Taking note of both parties’ willingness to uncover the truth, the court deemed it necessary to refer the matter to forensic experts. CFSL was asked to investigate:
- Whether the original scorecards and response sheets downloaded by the petitioners were sourced from the NTA’s official website.
- Whether there were any signs of tampering, such as changes in metadata, timestamps, or document properties.
- Whether the emails containing the scorecards were indeed received by the petitioners on February 12 and 13, 2025, as claimed.
- Any other relevant input necessary to resolve the dispute.
“If the CFSL requires any material or assistance, it may contact the petitioners directly,” the court added.
In a related direction, the court acknowledged that one petitioner was eligible to appear for JEE Advanced based on the disputed scorecard. Given that the last date for application was May 2, the court permitted this candidate to register. However, it made it clear:
“The result of petitioner no.2 in JEE (Advanced) shall not be declared and will be submitted to the court in a sealed cover.”
This order ensures the petitioner’s right to apply does not prejudice the final decision of the case.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on May 23.
Case Title: ANUSHA GUPTA & ORS v. NATIONAL TESTING AGENCY (THROUGH THE DIRECTOR) & ORS.
