UNIVERSITY bosses have apologised after students were given the wrong exam paper.

Dozens of undergraduates on Essex University’s business management course were due to take an assessment yesterday.

But weeks of revision, preparation and planning went to waste after one student raised concerns the paper was actually one which was set last year.

All those taking the exam were then forced to put their pens down and stop before a decision was taken to cancel the exam.

They have since received an apology and been told the exam will be rescheduled - but no firm date has yet been confirmed.

It is hoped it will be taken at some stage during this exam period.

An Essex University spokesman said they would be in contact with students about the error.

He said: “We’ve apologised to all the students who were due to take the exam paper on Monday and informed them we will be making alternative arrangements as soon as possible and that we plan to resolve this issue within the current summer exam period.

“Anyone who needs further advice and support can contact our student services desk.”

A parents of one of the students who was due to take the exam said: “It’s an absolute disgrace.

“They have spent the last few weeks preparing for this exam schedule for it to be thrown into chaos by a mistake at the university.

“What a shambles.

“They were all in the exam hall already, the exam had already started and one of the students questioned if the paper was correct.

“They were all asked to stop working and put their pens down while it was checked and the invigilator returned saying the exam was cancelled as they had been issued last years paper by mistake.

“They all had to leave and received an email apology for the error when they returned home.

“At this stage they are saying the exam will be rescheduled but have not been told when.”