The failed student will receive passing grades and will invite Kuvempu University to lodge a complaint

Kuvempu University Administrative Block at Shankarghatta near Shivamogga in Karnataka. The matter came to light when a visiting faculty member in the MBA department filed a complaint with the Secretary (Administration) on September 7, 2026. Photo credit: Special arrangement

At Kuvempu University in Karnataka’s Shivamogga district, examination result falsification by misusing the digital signature certificate required to edit records in the Unified University and College Management System (UUCMS) has come to light. The Bhadravati rural police registered a case against a university employee and a student based on a complaint filed by Prof. R. Thimmarayappa, Registrar (Evaluation).

Fifth Semester BSc. student of PES Institute of Advanced Management Studies in Shivamogga appeared for the examination held in November-December 2025. He failed in two papers, according to the results declared by the university on April 4, 2026. He was later declared to have passed in both papers after the marks were changed on June 22.

The matter came to light when a visiting faculty member in the MBA department filed a complaint with the secretary (administration) on September 7. The then Secretary (Administration) N. Hemanth directed the Secretary (Evaluation) to file a police complaint. The complaint was filed on September 10.

According to the complaint, Anusha, a temporary employee appointed as administrator for the administration of UUCMS, allegedly tampered with the results. She allegedly took ₹10,000 from the student to award pass marks in each subject.

The Registrar (Evaluation) receives a fresh Digital Signature Certificate — one-day password — every day, which is forwarded to the administrator to correct student data on the UUCMS portal. According to Professor Thimmarayappa, the accused used this one-day password to change students’ marks without his knowledge.

Prof. Thimmarayappa told The Hindu, “The temporary employee has been removed from service and replaced by a permanent employee of the university. We are verifying whether the accused was involved in tampering with the results of any other student. The university is considering a comprehensive investigation into the issue.”

The police have charged Anusha and Varshith N, the student whose results were tampered with, criminal breach of trust, cheating and forgery, among others.

Published – 25 Sep 2026 15:19 IST