Lucknow University cancelled the B.Ed entrance exam slated for Wednesday morning following leakage of the question paper. The announcement made by the varsity came as a shock for lakhs of candidates, who were told about the cancellation at their respective test centres hours before it was to start.

Around seven lakh students were to appear for the B.Ed exam for around one lakh seats in different universities and colleges of the state, officials said.

"The fresh date of the examination would be announced soon," university registrar G.P. Tripathi said.

According to varsity sources, the decision to cancel the B.Ed exam came after confirmation that the question paper had been leaked in Farrukhabad district, about 300 km from here. Police have detained eight people for their alleged involvement in the leakage of the question paper.