Surat: A serious case of technology-driven malpractice has surfaced at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU), where students were caught cheating during an examination by using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. The incident took place during a coding exam conducted under the Computer Science faculty.

According to university sources, two students were found accessing AI platforms, including ChatGPT and Google Gemini, through high-tech smartwatches to solve exam questions. They were allegedly receiving real-time answers and copying them directly into their answer sheets. However, the university’s vigilance team detected the irregular activity and caught the students red-handed. The incident has raised concerns among university officials, who have termed it a grave violation of exam integrity.

A senior university official said, “Over 1.25 lakh students affiliated with VNSGU are appearing for exams at more than 250 centres. The university squad received a tip-off about the use of smartwatches. Two students were caught cheating using their smartwatches. This is a serious matter, and therefore smartwatches have now been prohibited during examinations.”

The Vice-Chancellor further stated that the university will take stringent “double action” against the accused students. “In normal cheating cases, a fine of ₹5,000 along with cancellation of the subject paper is imposed. But in this case, the authorities will cancel the results of two exams and levy a double fine of ₹10,000,” he said.

Following the incident, VNSGU has ordered strict vigilance and instructed supervisors not to allow students to carry mobile phones, smartwatches, or smart rings inside examination halls to curb technology-enabled cheating in the future. DesGujarat