Across India’s educational landscape, examination papers are expected to assess knowledge, encourage critical thinking, and maintain academic neutrality. However, over the past several years, a series of controversial questions appearing in university, school, recruitment, and board examinations have repeatedly sparked public debate, student protests, political reactions, and institutional inquiries. These incidents have drawn attention to the growing challenges surrounding question-paper moderation, academic sensitivity, and the responsibility of educational institutions in framing examination content.
Between 2019 and 2026, multiple examination papers across different states became the subject of controversy after questions touching upon religion, caste, Hindutva, historical personalities, freedom fighters, communal violence, and social identities triggered objections from various sections of society. In several cases, students, teachers, social organisations, political representatives, and community groups questioned the appropriateness, wording, factual basis, or perceived ideological orientation of the questions included in official examinations.
The recurring nature of such controversies has raised broader concerns regarding quality control mechanisms within educational institutions, the processes followed during question-paper preparation, and the safeguards necessary to ensure academic balance and public confidence. These incidents also highlight the increasing scrutiny faced by universities, schools, recruitment agencies, and examination boards whenever sensitive social, historical, or political subjects appear in assessment materials.
The responses to these controversies have varied significantly. Authorities have ordered inquiries, suspended faculty members, withdrawn disputed questions, awarded compensatory marks, issued show-cause notices, constituted investigation committees, and reviewed examination procedures. Together, these developments underline the importance of accountability, transparency, and rigorous moderation standards within India’s examination system.
A controversy erupted at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi on May 20, 2026, after an MA History examination included the question, “How did Brahminical patriarchy hinder the progress of women in ancient India?”
Students protested against the inclusion of the question, alleging ideological bias in the examination process. The protesting students demanded accountability from the university over the matter.
The incident drew attention as part of a broader discussion surrounding controversial examination questions related to religion and caste between 2019 and 2026.
Report Compiles 15 Exam Question Controversies Across Educational Institutions Between 2019 and 2026
This report compiles 15 major instances of examination-related controversies recorded between 2019 and 2026 across universities, schools, recruitment examinations, and national education boards. The cases collectively highlight recurring disputes arising from politically sensitive, religion-related, caste-related, and ideologically contested questions included in examination papers.
The documented cases involve controversies linked to religion, caste, Hindutva, the Gujarat riots, freedom fighters, historical interpretation, language sensitivity, and allegations of ideological bias in academic assessments. In several instances, public objections and institutional concerns led to inquiries, disciplinary proceedings, or corrective action by the concerned authorities.
The report examines recurring issues related to quality control in question-paper preparation, ideological neutrality, syllabus relevance, academic sensitivity, moderation processes, and accountability mechanisms within examination systems across educational institutions.
The report also documents the responses adopted by institutions and authorities following these controversies. These measures include the constitution of inquiry committees, cancellation of disputed questions, award of compensatory marks, suspension of faculty members, issuance of show-cause notices, internal investigations, government intervention, and reviews of examination guidelines aimed at preventing similar disputes in the future.
1. BHU MA History Exam Question Sparks Controversy
A controversy erupted at Banaras Hindu University after a question on “Brahminical patriarchy” appeared in the fourth-semester MA History examination paper for the course Women in Modern Indian History. The question asked, “How did Brahminical patriarchy hinder the progress of women in ancient India?”
Following the examination, students affiliated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad staged a protest outside the History Department, alleging ideological bias in the examination process. The protesting students demanded accountability from the university over the inclusion of the question in the examination paper.
2. Vikram University Exam Question Sparks Religious Controversy
A controversy erupted at Samrat Vikramaditya University (Vikram University) after a religion-related question appeared in the Foundation Course examination paper for third-year B.Com, BBA, and BCA students. The question stated, “There is no one other than Allah.”
The question drew objections from Hindu organisations, which described it as biased and inappropriate in a secular academic setting. The matter subsequently attracted criticism on social media and led to protests.
Following the backlash, the university administration ordered an investigation through the Examination Committee to examine whether the question was in accordance with the prescribed syllabus and academic standards.
3. Agra School Sanskrit Exam Question on ‘Pandit’ Sparks Controversy, Probe Ordered
A controversy erupted in Agra after a Class 7 Sanskrit examination included a question that used the word “Pandit.” The question asked, “Who travels far without feet and is literate but not a Pandit?”
The question drew objections from sections of the Brahmin community and teachers’ groups, who alleged that the wording was insulting and demanded action from the authorities.
Following the objections, basic education authorities ordered an inquiry into the matter to examine the circumstances surrounding the inclusion of the question in the examination paper.
4. UP Police SI Exam Question Mentioning ‘Pandit’ Triggers Controversy, Inquiry Ordered
A controversy erupted after the Uttar Pradesh Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination included a Hindi-language question in which candidates were asked to choose a one-word substitute for “a person who changes according to opportunity.” The answer options provided were “Pandit,” “Opportunist,” “Honest,” and “Virtuous.”
The inclusion of “Pandit” as an answer option drew objections from several political leaders and Brahmin organisations, which alleged that the term had hurt sentiments.
Following the controversy, the Uttar Pradesh government ordered an inquiry into the matter.
5. Jamia Millia Islamia Exam Question on Atrocities Against Muslim Minorities Sparks Controversy
A controversy erupted at Jamia Millia Islamia after an end-of-semester examination paper included a question on atrocities against Muslim minorities in India. In the BA (Hons) Social Work Semester-I examination paper titled Social Problems in India, students were asked: “Discuss the atrocities against Muslim minorities in India, giving suitable examples.”
Images of the examination paper circulated online, drawing criticism and complaints regarding the question.
Following the controversy, the university suspended the professor who set the examination paper. The university described the matter as an act of “negligence and carelessness” and ordered an internal inquiry into the incident.
6. Rani Durgavati University Exam Question on Queen’s ‘Tomb’ Sparks Controversy
A controversy erupted at Rani Durgavati University (RDVV), Jabalpur, after a question in the B.Sc./B.Com second-year foundation course examination referred to Queen Rani Durgavati’s memorial as a “Maqbara” (tomb). Students were asked, “Where is the tomb (Maqbara) of Rani Durgavati built?”
The question drew objections from student organisations, which described the wording as disrespectful and factually incorrect. Concerns were also raised regarding the inclusion of the question in the examination paper.
Following the controversy, the university cancelled the question and announced full marks for all students in relation to it. The university also initiated action against those responsible for the error.
7. RSS-Linked Question in Exam Paper Sparks Controversy, Professor Barred from Paper-Setting Duties
A controversy erupted at Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU) after a second-semester Political Science examination included a question that allegedly associated the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) with extremist organisations and religion- and caste-based politics. The question reportedly listed the RSS alongside groups such as Naxalites, JKLF, and Dal Khalsa.
The examination paper drew objections and led to protests by members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), who raised concerns over the content of the question.
Following the protests, the university identified Professor Seema Panwar of Meerut College as the paper setter and barred her from examination and evaluation work. The professor later issued a written apology. The university also initiated an inquiry into the matter.
8. IIT Bombay PhD Sociology Exam Question on Hindutva Sparks Controversy
A controversy erupted at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay after a question on Hindutva appeared in the PhD Sociology entrance examination conducted by the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Candidates were asked: “What does Antonio Gramsci mean by hegemony? Is Hindutva hegemony or counter-hegemony? Discuss.”
The question drew objections from the student group IITB for Bharat, which alleged that it reflected ideological bias and sought to assess candidates’ political beliefs rather than their academic knowledge. The group criticised the sociology department and demanded action over the inclusion of the question.
The controversy also prompted responses from academics and social media users, some of whom defended the question as a legitimate topic of academic discussion within the field of sociology.
9. BHU Exam Question on Beef Sparks Controversy, Students File Complaint
A controversy erupted at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) after a question related to beef appeared in the second-semester Bachelor of Vocation (B.Voc) Catering Technology and Hotel Management examination.
In the examination paper, students were asked: “Write a classification of beef. Define.”
Following the examination, some students protested and submitted a complaint to the Vice-Chancellor, alleging that the question had hurt religious sentiments.
In response to the objections, the university clarified that the question formed part of the prescribed syllabus and was designed in accordance with hotel management curricula.
10. Caste-Based Question in MA Exam Paper Sparks Controversy in Tamil Nadu
A controversy erupted at Periyar University after a caste-related question appeared in an MA History second-semester examination paper under the topic Freedom Movement in Tamil Nadu from 1880 CE to 1947 CE.
The multiple-choice question asked: “Which one is the lower caste that belongs to Tamil Nadu (sic)?”
The examination paper drew criticism on social media and from political leaders, leading to wider public attention over the wording of the question.
Following the controversy, Periyar University and the Tamil Nadu Higher Education Department announced an inquiry into the matter.
11. Sharda University BA Exam Question on Hindutva and Fascism Sparks Controversy
A controversy erupted at Sharda University after a BA Political Science examination paper included a question comparing Hindutva with Fascism and Nazism.
Students were asked: “Do you find any similarities between Fascism/Nazism and Hindu right-wing (Hindutva)? Elaborate with arguments.”
The examination paper attracted attention after it circulated on social media, leading to objections over the content of the question.
Following the controversy, the university constituted a three-member inquiry committee, described the question as objectionable, and issued a show-cause notice to the faculty member who had set the paper.
Subsequently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) sought a report from the university regarding the incident.
12. CBSE Class 12 Sociology Question on Gujarat Riots Sparks Controversy
A controversy erupted after the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 12 Sociology Term-1 examination included a question related to the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Students were asked: “The unprecedented scale and spread of anti-Muslim violence in Gujarat in 2002 took place under which government?” The options provided were Congress, BJP, Democratic, and Republican.
The question drew criticism on social media and from political groups following the examination.
Subsequently, CBSE described the question as “inappropriate” and stated that it was not in accordance with the board’s paper-setting guidelines. The board also announced strict action against those responsible for the inclusion of the question in the examination paper.
13. Goa SSC English Exam Paper Sparks Controversy, Board Orders Inquiry
A controversy erupted after the Goa Secondary School Certificate (SSC) English examination paper included a question that allegedly suggested people migrate to Portugal due to a scarcity of jobs in Goa and because influence and money are required to secure employment.
The question drew criticism from political leaders, who objected to what they described as a negative portrayal of the state government and an implication of corruption in the job recruitment process.
Following the controversy, Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary School Education Chairman Ramakrishna Samant announced an inquiry into the circumstances under which the question was approved for inclusion in the examination paper.
14. Gujarat Class 9 Exam Question on Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘Suicide’ Sparks Controversy
A controversy erupted after a Class 9 internal assessment examination conducted in schools associated with Sufalam Shala Vikas Sankul included a question suggesting that Mahatma Gandhi committed suicide.
In the Gujarati-language examination paper, students were asked: “How did Gandhiji commit suicide?”
The question drew objections and prompted scrutiny from education authorities.
Following the controversy, Gujarat education authorities described the question as objectionable and ordered an inquiry into the matter. Officials subsequently clarified that the question paper had been prepared by the school management and not by the state education department.
15. MP Political Science Exam Question Calling Revolutionaries ‘Terrorists’ Sparks Controversy
A controversy erupted after an MA Political Science third-semester examination paper associated with Jiwaji University and Government PG College, Guna, referred to Indian revolutionaries as “revolutionary terrorists.”
In the examination, students were asked: “Describe the activities of a revolutionary terrorist. What is the difference between extremists and revolutionary terrorists?”
The question prompted protests from students and political groups, who described the terminology as disrespectful to freedom fighters and raised objections to its inclusion in the examination paper.
Following the controversy, the Madhya Pradesh government ordered an inquiry into the matter. The university also sought clarification from the paper setter regarding the question.
The fifteen incidents documented between 2019 and 2026 demonstrate how examination papers have increasingly become focal points of public debate whenever questions touch upon religion, caste, historical interpretation, cultural identity, political ideologies, or sensitive social issues. Although the institutions involved varied widely, ranging from schools and universities to recruitment agencies and national boards, the controversies reveal recurring concerns regarding the framing, wording, contextual relevance, and academic appropriateness of examination content.
A notable pattern emerging from these cases is the consistent intervention by educational authorities after objections were raised by students, community organisations, public representatives, or other stakeholders. Inquiries, disciplinary measures, question withdrawals, compensatory marks, internal investigations, and procedural reviews became common responses aimed at addressing public concerns and maintaining institutional credibility.
The controversies also underscore the growing importance of robust moderation systems, factual accuracy, academic neutrality, and sensitivity in question-paper preparation. As examinations continue to play a central role in India’s education system, these incidents highlight the need for stronger quality-control mechanisms to ensure that assessment processes remain focused on academic objectives while minimising avoidable disputes.
Viewed collectively, the cases serve as an important record of how examination content can influence wider public discourse and why educational institutions increasingly face heightened scrutiny regarding the design and approval of assessment materials. The experiences of the past several years reinforce the significance of accountability, transparency, and careful academic oversight in preserving confidence in examination systems across the country.
