Case Note & Summary
The dispute arose from the Combined Pre-Medical Test conducted by Kanpur University for admission to medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh in 1982. The test utilized a Multiple Choice Objective type format with 100 questions across four subjects. After the results were published, several candidates whose names were not on the successful list filed writ petitions claiming that the key answers provided by the University were incorrect for three specific questions. The Allahabad High Court ruled in favor of the candidates, leading to the University appealing the decision. The Supreme Court examined whether key answers could be challenged and concluded that they should be presumed correct unless proven otherwise. The court found that the key answers were indeed incorrect based on established textbooks and that penalizing students for incorrect key answers was unjust. The court directed the University to reassess the candidates' answers, awarding additional marks for correctly answered questions, and confirmed the High Court's order for their admission to the M.B.B.S. course. The court also highlighted the need for better examination practices, including the compilation of a standardized textbook and careful translation of questions to avoid ambiguity. The appeals were ultimately dismissed with costs.
Headnote
A) Education Law - Entrance Examination - Challenge to Key Answers - Combined Pre-Medical Test - The court held that key answers should be assumed correct unless proven wrong, and students should not be penalized for answers that are demonstrably correct (U.P. State Universities Act, 1973, Section 8) (Paras 81-84). B) Examination Standards - Ambiguity in Questions - The court emphasized the need for clarity in examination questions and the importance of accurate translation of scientific terminology to avoid ambiguity (Paras 82-83). C) Admission Rights - Reassessment of Marks - The court directed that students who answered questions correctly, which were wrongly assessed, should receive additional marks and be admitted to the M.B.B.S. course (Paras 83-84).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the correctness of key-answers to questions set in the examination is open to challenge.
Final Decision
The Supreme Court dismissed the appeals, confirming the High Court's order for reassessment of the candidates' answers and their admission to the M.B.B.S. course.
Law Points
- Correctness of key answers
- Multiple Choice Objective Tests
- Admission criteria
- Reassessment of examination results
