Otago University has confirmed 98 exam papers have been stolen from its Clocktower Building.

The break in, which resulted in considerable damage to property, happened on Saturday night.

Campus Watch and police responded, but whoever was responsible had gone by the time they entered the building.

The vast majority of stolen exams had been sat by students on Saturday, and their scripts had yet to be marked.

University staff are currently contacting each of the 98 affected students and making arrangements in case the papers aren't returned.

The university is strongly urging anyone with information to contact the police.