Bombay high court seeks JBIMS reply to plea on ‘discrepancies’ in admissions – Times of India

MUMBAI: Bombay high court on Wednesday directed Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) to clarify its stand on a petition alleging discrepancies in admission process to Master in Human Resource Development (MHRD) course.
A bench of Justices K K Tated and Girish Kulkarni heard a petition by 12 candidates who were among 610 who gave the online aptitude test on July 27. The petition said the exam was marred by issues including non-confirmation of submission of answers, different students logging it at different times for the same questions, providing for leakage of questions, same student getting different marks and use of unfair means. Nearly 192 students complained the same day about technical glitches but they were not resolved and JBIMS declared shortlisted candidates.
The petitioners’ advocates, Harpreet Hora and Amritpal Singh Khalsa, argued that the shortlist, initially of 200 candidates, was increased to 232. The judges noted that an interim order of August 11 stated that all steps/actions taken will be subject to court orders. They asked if the candidates were heard. “It is not one or two, but 192 complaints for an institute of your repute,’’ said Justice Kulkarni.
JBMIS’ advocate said the institute had justified every action. “It is basically the candidate’s lack of knowledge on how to use the software,” he added.
JBMIS director said software for the online test did not allow candidates to perform routine functions like surfing, making and receiving calls, WhatsApp and minimisation of screen. After three warnings, the test is automatically closed and submitted without allowing the student to go ahead with it. The brochure mentioned 200 eligible candidates, there were 232 candidates from all categories, and “this respondent thought it fit to allow all 232 students”.