Absent Candidate Marked Malpractice by Osmania University : How I Solved My Issue
I was marked as Malpractice for 2 exams when I was absent, here is how I solved my issue.
Prithvi Raj vs Osmania University
Navigating the bureaucracy of Osmania University can be a nightmare, and my true story is a testament to that. Imagine being marked as a malpractice case for exams you didn’t even take. That’s exactly what happened to me. I was absent for two exams, yet I was tagged with the dreaded “MP” (Malpractice). Dealing with this error was like battling an invisible enemy.
Do you remember what would happen if you told anyone you were Covid19+?
Yeah, I know what you are thinking. People would just maintain distance and some would outrightly ask you to get out. Every time I tried to explain my situation, people avoided me like I had the plague. No one wanted to listen; they just saw the label and judged me instantly.
My college people said forget that exam and write in the next semester.
I made countless trips to the Controller of Examinations office, the staff used to run away the moment I mentioned the word “Malpractice”. I felt helpless, and my voice seemed lost in the bureaucratic chaos.
After being jaded with all of this process, I discovered the most powerful tool in our system: the written complaint. Instead of running around the university, wasting my time and energy, I decided to write down my grievances. I poured all my frustration into a letter, detailing the mistake and my plight. I printed it out and sent it to the Controller of Examinations via registered post, costing just Rs 22.
Four days later, something unexpected happened. I received a call from a landline number—an unusual occurrence in this era of mobile phones. It was the Additional Controller of Examinations, the person responsible for my course (Different courses have different additional controllers reporting to a main controller). He asked me to visit the university on Monday (this was on a Friday) and meet him.
When I went to see him, he was professional and thorough (he is not usually like this, it was the power of the written letter). He verified my records, checked the Tabulated Register (something which they use to write down marks of all the students, it is a big fat register), and spoke to everyone involved in the department.
Finally, after several hours, he called me into his office and told me the good news: my case had been resolved. He assured me that I could collect a fresh memo in a few days.
Even now, as I write this, I feel the relief and satisfaction of that moment. It was a victory over inefficiency and a reminder that persistence pays off.
Lessons Learned
- The Power of the Written Word: A written complaint carries weight. It’s a formal, documented way to present your case that can’t be easily ignored. When spoken words fail, written ones often succeed.
- Accountability: Universities and government offices must respond to registered posts. This method forces them to take action, ensuring your complaint is heard and addressed. You must remember that nobody was even willing to listen to my case earlier. The letter gave it an audience, the decision maker read the letter.
- Efficiency: Writing a complaint saves time and energy. Even though I went to the COE office about 4-5 times, I did not get any result. It was a futile exercise all the time. Instead of endless visits and explanations, a well-crafted letter can quickly reach the right person and prompt a response.
If you ever face an injustice, especially within a bureaucratic system, remember my story. Don’t get lost in the chaos. Take a deep breath, sit down, and write your complaint. Even if it feels like it takes time, write the letter and then later pursue other means also. If other means fail, the letter will come through.
I know it is time taking to write a letter and send it by registered post but trust me, it works. It works better than any other method I know.
