Berhampur (Odisha): The third theory paper of the postgraduate (MD/MS) Examination-2026 was conducted by the Odisha University of Health Sciences (OUHS) at the MKCG Medical College here on Saturday amid tight security following allegations of a question paper leak in the previous examination, officials said.

A total of 154 students appeared for the three-hour examination, which began at 10 am.

Security at the examination centre was stepped up after questions from the second theory paper, held on July 27, were allegedly circulated on social media shortly after the test began.

The dean-cum-principal of the college, Hari Krishna Dalai, remained present in the examination hall throughout the test on the instructions of OUHS Vice-Chancellor Manas Ranjan Sahoo.

"Today's examination was completed peacefully amid tight security," Dalai said, adding that all the candidates appeared for the examination.

The postgraduate examination for the 2023-26 batch commenced on July 21. Three theory papers have now been completed, while the next examination is scheduled for Wednesday.

"We have made tight security arrangements and did not allow mobile phones or any other electronic gadgets inside the examination hall," Dalai said.

He said mandatory frisking was carried out at all entry points and hall entrances, adding that candidates fully cooperated with security personnel and invigilators.

Following the alleged transmission of the second theory paper through electronic means, the college authorities had already prohibited candidates from carrying mobile phones into the examination halls.

The Odisha government has constituted a three-member committee to probe the alleged malpractice during the July 27 examination, while the college has set up a five-member panel to conduct its own inquiry.

The university has also lodged an FIR at the Capital Police Station in Bhubaneswar to investigate the alleged electronic transmission of examination-related information and its circulation through WhatsApp groups.

The complaint, filed by the OUHS Controller of Examinations, names MKCG Medical College along with a private medical college in connection with the incident.