CBSE scam shockwaves: USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque in court, verdict still pending

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 22, 2025

Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), was produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) of Karimganj on Saturday evening after being arrested by Assam Police’s Special Task Force (STF) in connection with the CBSE exam scam.

However, even after two hours in court, the judgment remains pending, leaving uncertainty over whether he will be remanded to police custody or judicial custody.

Arrest and allegations

Hoque was arrested from his residence in Ghoramora, Guwahati, at 1:30 AM on Saturday, following FIRs 54/2025 and 55/2025 registered at Patharkandi police station in Sreebhumi district. The case revolves around shocking claims that students were strategically placed at a specific CBSE exam center to gain an unfair advantage in their Class 12 exams.

Along with Hoque, five other persons were also arrested. They are – Numan Ahmed, Umdadur Rahman, Rezzak Ali, Bijoy Dutta and Hiramoni Saikia. All these are teachers of Public School run by ERD Foundation.

The CBSE exam scam: what we know

On February 21, Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu exposed the alleged malpractice, stating that USTM-linked Central Public School, Patharkandi, assured students help in the 30-mark MCQ section of their CBSE Class 12 exams. He claimed that when external invigilators refused to cooperate, chaos erupted, leading to teachers being locked inside classrooms and forcing police intervention.

Pegu further pointed out that the school is owned by Education Research and Development Foundation (ERDF), which also runs USTM, and was founded by Mahbubul Hoque.

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma calls it ‘a big scam’

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma weighed in on the controversy, alleging that a widespread exam-rigging network exists in Assam.

“For years, I have noticed a racket operating before medical, engineering, and CBSE exams. Students are transferred to specific centers, promising them an unfair advantage. In this case, 247 students from Goalpara, Nagaon, and Kamrup were shifted to Patharkandi with assurances of over 30 extra marks. When the promised help didn’t materialize, they created a scene, exposing the scam.”

Sarma further hinted at a larger conspiracy involving medical entrance exams, calling Hoque a “big scamster” and alleging that he has been misleading people with intellectual and academic cover-ups.

What’s next?

With allegations of widespread academic fraud and manipulation of examination centers, authorities are digging deeper into the scandal. As Hoque awaits the court’s decision, more revelations may soon emerge regarding the extent of this alleged exam-rigging network.