COEMPT shield cracks, former NU exam operator tells probe panel student data was transferred in 'machine readable' format

Nagpur: A big revelation emerged during the ongoing inquiry into examination irregularities at Nagpur University (NU), which allegedly tried to shield the controversial exam service provider, COEMPT EduTeck Pvt Ltd, by pinning down the earlier agency for the exam mess on grounds that it failed to transfer student data to the IT cell before bowing out.Deposing before the three-member probe panel, representatives of the former examination handler, Promarc Technologies Pvt Ltd, said it had transferred student-related data of 3.17 lakh students to COEMPT through the varsity IT cell. The investigation is led by NU senate member, Manmohan Bajpai.As per Promarc, data transfer was carried out through multiple modes, including CDs, hard copies, soft copies and email communications in universal format — excel sheets. The claim contradicts the NU administration's earlier stand that Promarc failed to provide required data and this triggered glitches during the 2025 winter and summer examinations.Speaking to TOI, Bajpai confirmed Promarc officials told the panel they had handed over all available data. "The university's IT cell officials had stated data was not transferred in the required format to be passed on to COEMPT. Promarc countered the allegation by saying data was shared in various forms and it was the duty of IT cell to crosscheck before forwarding data to the new firm. The IT cell had then said they did not check the data sets. The next hearing is scheduled for June 5, when more details are expected to emerge," said Bajpai. Responding to Promarc's claims, NU vice-chancellor Manali Kshirsagar said the statements made before the inquiry panel are yet to be technically verified."We can draw a conclusion after verification by the university's IT Cell and technical experts," she said. Kshirsagar added the university did not release any payment to COEMPT so far and was simultaneously developing its in-house examination software to reduce dependence on external vendors. "Software customisation takes time. We have streamlined the summer examination process and are taking extra care to ensure smooth conduct of exams till the university's own software is ready," she said.Earlier, NU had served a legal notice on Promarc Technologies over its alleged 'failure' to hand over the data. Promarc officials countered this charge by stating data was submitted in "machine readable format". "Database was given in excel sheet to maintain a single style and the receiving company would have to write only one program. This has been set practice when MKCL was hired by NU in 2012," they said. Promarc officials added they doubt if the new operator had developed a new exam processing programme and this caused the mess."Winter exams started on November 27. The new VC took over in December and only after that the issue of data transfer cropped up. How is it possible to start an exam without data? Also, university asks colleges to fill up exam forms. Even if Promarc withheld data, it could have easily got data from colleges," they said. Promarc has also been added as a sixth respondent in PIL on massive delay in winter examinations. "This is a golden chance to bring out the truth on data transfer by replying to the court," they said.