Kollam: Govt Model School student Joel's year-long struggle to find the SSLC Physics exam paper has paid off. The missing answer sheet was found to be stuck together with another student's paper.

A notification in this regard has been received from the office of the Commissioner of Examinations. The missing paper had answers for 13 marks. Joel will also receive the 13 marks he deserves for his Physics paper. There was also an attempt to frame Joel for copying the examination after he complained against the low marks he received in the examination. According to the order of the examination commissioner, action should be taken against the invigilator, chief superintendent and deputy chief superintendent for negligent handling of the answer sheet.

The Class 10 physics exam was held on March 24, 2023. Joel wrote the exam on four sheets. During the test, an unexpected gust of wind caused two answer sheets to fly off, landing near another student. Joel promptly retrieved the sheets and handed them to the teacher, who, along with Joel, reported the incident to the headmistress. Joel was later assured that all his exam papers were securely tied together and submitted.

Joel, who expected high marks for Physics, got only 22 marks. He wanted to continue his studies at the model school but was not admitted there. This took a toll on the studious Joel and he decided not to study anymore.

Due to the counseling and insistence of his parents, Joel started attending class 11 at the Neeravil school. Upon realizing that Joel's exam paper was lost, his father Antony complained to the education minister and officials several times. Several hearings were held in the Child Rights Commission and the Child Welfare Committee.

The investigation revealed that additional sheets were indeed missing, which were eventually found after a thorough search. Antony is preparing to take legal action against those responsible.