Patna: As investigation into the alleged NEET-UG biometric fraud gathers pace, EOU additional director general Amit Kumar Jain speaks with STOI’s Kshitiz about the changing face of examination fraud, tech-savvy gangs, impersonation and the challenges of securing high-stakes tests. Excerpts:Of late, gangs are becoming more tech-savvy. Was this mainly an impersonation racket or were there other forms of malpractice involved?Look, the primary shift we have noticed is adaptability. So far, the investigation led by the EOU has revealed that when the gangs failed to leak the question paper, they quickly pivoted. They arranged for impersonators to sit the examination for the original candidates. So it started as a paper leak plan, but when that didn’t work, they fell back on impersonation. That shows how organised they are.Does the investigation indicate the existence of an organised interstate syndicate? Is the network linked to previous examination frauds?Yes, it clearly appears an organised interstate syndicate is involved. This isn’t a local group. Our evidence shows solvers were brought in from medical colleges across eight states. That level of coordination requires a wide network. However, based on current findings, this network does not appear to be linked to previous examination frauds. It looks like a new setup, possibly learning from past cases but operating independently.There’s often debate on student involvement. Were genuine candidates knowingly involved, or were some misled by brokers?Obviously, the genuine candidates were knowingly involved. Let me be clear — there is no doubt they were misled by brokers. The sums involved run into lakhs. No one pays that kind of money without understanding what they’re getting into. The candidates and their families were active participants in the conspiracy.Bihar has witnessed examination fraud cases in the past. What lessons from those investigations helped crack this case?We have taken hard lessons from the recent two or three examination fraud cases in Bihar. Every case teaches us something. This time, we studied their modus operandi in detail — how they move money, recruit solvers and what technology they use. We’re also keeping a tab on suspicious social media accounts that become active during competitive examinations. Telegram groups, encrypted chats and fake pages promising “guaranteed selection” — we’re monitoring all of it now, which we didn’t do as aggressively earlier.How is this case different from the 2024 NEET-UG paper leak investigation?This is totally different. The 2024 NEET-UG racket hinged on leaked question papers smuggled out of printing presses, transport vehicles or examination centres. That was a supply-chain breach. The new currency is biometric fraud. In the June 21 re-examination, investigators found “scholars” — hired impersonators — sitting the examination for genuine candidates after biometric attendance was allegedly tampered with. This was done in connivance with staff of the exam-handling agency. So the threat has moved from paper to identity manipulation.Has the EOU observed any evolution in the methods used by examination mafias?Absolutely. The examination mafia is no longer just about leaking papers. It now handles end-to-end logistics: leaks, transport, seating plans, biometric systems and other high-tech means. They use advanced software to morph photographs for fake admit cards, create deepfake identities and even run remote-access tools. It’s a full-fledged tech operation now.What changes would you recommend to make national examinations more secure?The weakest link we’re seeing is outsourcing. I would strongly recommend closer monitoring of outsourcing agencies. Most technical work — biometric capture, centre allocation and invigilator deployment — is outsourced. If there’s collusion at that level, the entire examination is compromised. There has to be real-time audit and accountability for every third-party vendor involved.What message would you like to send to those attempting to manipulate competitive examinations?The message is simple and strict: they will be caught and sent behind bars. The game has changed. Law enforcement agencies are more vigilant these days. We have better technology, better interstate coordination, and we’re tracking digital footprints. For every new method they adopt, we’re developing a counter. Students should know a few years in jail and a lifetime ban are not worth a medical seat.