Operation Sindoor fallout: UGC issues warning over fake notice on exam cancellation

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In the early hours of May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a series of precision airstrikes targeting nine locations in Pakistan and PoK. This military action was in direct response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. Amid the buzz around Operation Sindoor, a fake notice claiming cancellation of all university exams due to a “war-like situation” has been circulating on social media. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has debunked the claim, calling it “completely fabricated” in a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle. The Commission urged students and institutions to rely only on official updates.

The fake notice and growing panic

The UGC further urged students to rely exclusively on official communications from their universities and educational institutions. In their statement, they reiterated the importance of verifying information before acting on it, especially during national emergencies when confusion and panic can easily take hold. The Commission also highlighted the growing threat of fake news and the role of credible institutions in countering such misinformation.

The UGC statement reads, “A fabricated public notice is being circulated under the name UGC, claiming that all exams are cancelled due to a war situation and advising students to return home. UGC confirms this notice is fake. There are no such directions from UGC. All official updates are only on the UGC website and official social media channels of UGC.” It also mentioned that spreading such misinformation is a punishable offence.

The UGC’s timely intervention in the fake notice incident not only provided clarity to worried students but also served as a broader call for vigilance. Students are advised to rely on official websites or credible sources for any updates on examination-related matters.