Forensic Aptitude Tests Conducted In-Person Despite Online Promotion

The Forensic Aptitude and Caliber Test (FACT) 2024 and FACT-Plus examinations were conducted in an unexpected offline format despite prior announcements indicating they would be held “fully online.”

These all-India examinations are essential for generating a list of qualified candidates for appointment in Central and State forensic science laboratories, overseen by the National Forensic Sciences University under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The tests took place in eight centers across the country on May 12, 2024.

Concerns regarding the offline execution of the tests—conducted without prior notification to candidates—prompted an inquiry under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The National Forensic Sciences University confirmed that both the FACT and FACT-Plus examinations for all electives were indeed conducted offline.

In response to questions about the sudden shift to offline testing, contrary to previous advertisements, the university stated that the FACT Council retained the authority to alter the examination mode.

When asked to disclose which authorities made the decision to switch to offline examinations, the university invoked Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, protecting personal information from public disclosure unless it serves a larger public interest.

Queries regarding the lack of advance notification to candidates about the mode change were met with a response that no relevant information was available on record.

Raj Kapil, an RTI petitioner and criminology educator, has called for an independent inquiry to investigate the last-minute decision to alter the examination format and assess the potential for irregularities.

Mr. Kapil described the process as concerning, noting that candidates received physical answer sheets and were instructed to mark their choices with a pen, raising flags about possible exam hall irregularities.