A private university in Rajasthan is under serious scrutiny for a massive alleged degree scam. Over 43,000 degrees are suspected to be fraudulent, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the University.
According to reports, the Rajasthan police’s Special Operation Group (SOG) launched an investigation into Om Prakash Jogender Singh (OPJS) University in Churu after a staggering number of applicants for the 2022 physical training instructor (PTI) exam presented degrees from the university.
The alleged fake degree count stands at 43,409. Here’s how the the red flag was raised :
The red flag was raised soon after 1,300 applicants for the 2022 Physical Training Instructor (PTI) Exam submitted degrees from the university. The course at the university received accreditation only in 2016 and for a limited 100 seats. Furthermore, only those enrolled before 2020 were eligible for the 2022 exam. The sheer number of degrees submitted from OPJS makes it statistically impossible for them to be genuine.
The University is listed in the University Grant Commission (UGC) website under the Category of State Private Universities and not in the Fake University list updated as of May 2024.
This investigation comes hot on the heels of the arrest of university founder-owner Joginder Singh Dalal, suspected to be the mastermind behind this academic fraud. The probe was initially triggered by inquiries into paper leaks and irregularities in college entrance exams, ultimately leading to Dalal.
Initial investigations suggest Dalal issued backdated degrees to those seeking graduation certificates solely for visa applications. Multiple student complaints further fueled the fire, prompting a full-scale investigation.
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The scope of the alleged scam is staggering. According to DIG (SOG) Paris Deshmukh, since its establishment in 2013, OPJS University has awarded a mind-boggling 708 PhDs, 8,861 engineering degrees, and a suspicious 1,640 degrees in physical education.
Authorities suspect these backdated degrees were obtained by candidates seeking an unfair advantage in government job applications, including the recent PTI exam.
Adding to the suspicion, Deshmukh highlights the university’s unbelievably small staff of fewer than 30 employees. “With such limited numbers,” he states, “it is simply not possible to run a legitimate university.”
The situation at OPJS University paints a disturbing picture of potential academic fraud on a massive scale. Further investigation is crucial to expose the full extent of the scam and hold those responsible accountable. Students who were misled by the university and those who may have benefited from fraudulent degrees deserve justice.
