Eleven Candidates Arrested for High-Tech Mass Copying in CSIR-IICT Recruitment Exam

Eleven candidates were arrested for allegedly engaging in mass copying during a recruitment examination conducted by CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology in Hyderabad, police said on Sunday. The incident occurred during the written examination for Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) and other fourth-class posts, including Attender, Clerk, and Head Cook. Authorities said all accused candidates were taken into custody from the examination center following a police inspection prompted by intelligence inputs.

According to the police, the examination was held on May 17 for candidates who had earlier cleared the trade test stage conducted by CSIR-IICT. The test center was established at St. Pious Degree College in Nacharam. During the examination process, officials reportedly received credible information indicating that some candidates were using sophisticated electronic devices to obtain answers while appearing for the test.

Acting on the tip-off, personnel from the Nacharam Police Station conducted checks at the center and allegedly discovered 11 candidates using concealed communication gadgets. Investigators said the accused were equipped with microchip-based devices and hidden communication systems designed to avoid detection by invigilators. The gadgets were allegedly used to receive answers remotely during the examination.

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Police stated that the technology used in the alleged cheating operation resembled methods seen in previous examination malpractice cases across the country. Officials suspect that hidden Bluetooth devices, miniature earpieces, and mobile communication tools may have been involved. The seized electronic equipment has been sent for technical examination to determine the sophistication of the devices and identify how they functioned inside the examination hall.

Authorities have registered a case and launched a broader investigation to determine whether an organized network or external handlers facilitated the operation. Investigators are also examining how the devices were smuggled into the examination center despite security arrangements and frisking procedures. Police said they are exploring possible links to larger interstate gangs involved in examination fraud and recruitment scams in different parts of the country.

The incident briefly created tension at the examination venue, while several candidates reportedly expressed concern over the use of unfair practices in government recruitment examinations. Officials said maintaining transparency and integrity in recruitment processes remains a priority, particularly as competitive examinations increasingly face threats from technologically advanced cheating methods. Further investigation is ongoing to establish whether the operation was confined to Hyderabad or connected to a wider organized network.

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