Lucknow: The re-evaluation of results of the Uttar Pradesh Combined Pre-Medical Test (CPMT) after major irregularities came to the fore is worrying successful candidates. The fate of the successful candidates, particularly those who figured in the recently declared merit list, now hangs in the balance.

"It would not bother me if the revised result marginally disturbs my rank but what if there is a major difference in my position?" asked Shailendra Singh, who secured fourth position in the results declared last Friday. Those who did not make it had resorted to violent protests as soon as the CPMT results were put on the internet by the Jaunpur based Purvanchal University that conducted the examination.

As part of an immediate damage control move, the state government promptly instituted a high-level probe into the alleged discrepancies in the results. The trouble was sparked by the university's decision to do away with the established practice of releasing answer-sheets and detailed mark-sheets of all unsuccessful candidates. Also, an alteration in the system of evaluation was stated to have created major anomalies in the results.

With Vice Chancellor K. P. Singh having already taken the responsibility for the discrepancies and the seven-member inquiry committee having clearly indicated the reassessment of the result, it is now the turn of the successful candidates to protest. "What other choice do we have but to lodge our protest," Shailendra told IANS. While he does not believe in any kind of violent protest, there are others who feel that their voice will go unheard without resorting to demonstrations. "Even the vice chancellor has admitted that but for the violent protests by unsuccessful candidates the irregularities would not have come to light," another candidate who secured a high rank said on condition of anonymity. The uncertainty is also bothering Akansha Verma, who bagged the sixth position. "Since they are going to revise the entire results, how can one be sure of retaining one's position?" she said. "That is why I have decided to take the Benaras Hindu University (BHU) medical entrance examination which I wouldnt have appeared for otherwise," she added.

The probe panel that was given three days by Chief Minister Mayawati to submit its report is likely to take some more time. "Considering the magnitude of the task, it was understandable that the inquiry panel would need some more time, so the revised result should be up on the internet by June 20," said state Medical Education Minister Lalji Verma.