• UGI USER
  • Jun 28, 2024
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NOT BY A SINGLE EXAM: RESOLVING INDIA’S EXAMINATION CRISIS

Syllabus:

GS 2:

Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.

Transparency & Accountability and institutional and other measures.

Focus:

The examination crisis in India has garnered significant attention due to recurring issues with conducting fair and secure exams like NEET and UGC NET. Accountability failures, systemic flaws, and the dominance of rote learning have underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in assessment practices.

Source: ToI

The Current Examination Crisis:

  • Systemic failures in conducting crucial exams like NEET and UGC NET have shaken public confidence.
  • Accountability issues within the National Testing Agency (NTA) have led to investigations and arrests.
  • High-stakes exams promote cramming over conceptual learning, fueling the coaching industry.
  • Lack of aptitude assessment in educational admissions leads to mismatches in career choices.
  • Undermining of school education quality in favor of rote-based learning compromises holistic development.

Recent Cases of Exam Paper Leaks in India:

Over the last five years, India has witnessed 41 instances of paper leaks across 15 states, affecting 1.4 crore job seekers applying for more than one lakh vacancies. Some notable recent incidents include:

  • UP Constable Recruitment and Promotion Exam (2023): The exam paper was leaked, leading to its cancellation and the arrest of three suspects.
  • REET 2023 (Rajasthan Eligibility for Elementary Teachers): Paper leak during the exam conducted by RSMSSB.
  • TSPSC Assistant Engineer Exam (2023): The recruitment exam by TSPSC was canceled due to a paper leak.
  • NEET UG 2024: Multiple paper leaks occurred during the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for undergraduate medical courses.
  • Assam Class 10 Board Exam 2024: Paper leak in the state board exams sparked political controversy and public outcry.

Negative Impacts of Frequent Paper Leaks in India:

  • Disproportionate Impact on Marginalized Communities: Students from rural and marginalized backgrounds face financial strain from application fees, coaching costs, and preparation expenses.
  • Emotional and Mental Fatigue: Cancellations increase student anxiety and fatigue, affecting future aspirants.
  • Exacerbation of Job Crisis: Canceled recruitment processes worsen the job market crisis.
  • Disruption of Academic Calendars: Exam postponements disrupt academic schedules, causing uncertainty for students.
  • Loss of Trust: Students lose faith in exam fairness and meritocracy, questioning the value of education and efforts.

Steps Taken to Address Exam Paper Leaks in India:

  • Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act: Introduced to ensure transparency, fairness, and credibility in public exams.
  • Formation of National Testing Agency (NTA): Established to professionalize exam conduct and enhance reliability.
  • Transition to Online Exams: Moving towards online exams aims to mitigate risks associated with paper-based exams, such as leaks and fraud.
PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS (PREVENTION OF UNFAIR MEANS) ACT, 2024

Objective:

  • Enhances transparency, fairness, and credibility in public exams.
  • Reassures youth of fair rewards for sincere efforts.
  • Supplements other government initiatives like self-attestation and shortening exam cycles.

Applicability:

  • Covers central recruitment and entrance exams conducted by UPSC, SSC, RRBs, IBPS, and NTA.
  • Includes all central ministries, departments, and recruitment offices.

Definition of Public Examination:

  • Section 2(k) defines a public examination as any exam conducted by authorities listed in the Act’s Schedule or designated by the Central Government.

Exclusion of Students:

  • Students are not targeted by the bill.
  • Covered under existing administrative provisions of exam authorities.

Punishments:

  • Involvement in paper leaks can lead to prison terms of 3-5 years.
  • Up to 10 years imprisonment if linked to organized crime.
  • Imposition of a fine of Rs 1 crore; exam organizing firms may be barred from conducting exams.

Unfair Means Defined:

  • Section 3 lists 20 offences, including impersonation, tampering, leakage of question papers or answer keys, unauthorized access to question papers or OMR sheets, and creating fake websites.

Nature of Offences:

Offences are cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable.

  • Cognizable: Police can make arrests without a warrant.
  • Non-bailable: Bail must be determined by a magistrate.
  • Non-compoundable: Offenses cannot be settled out of court.

Investigation:

  • Led by officers of rank not below Deputy Superintendent of Police or Assistant Commissioner of Police.
  • States have the option to request a probe by a Central agency.

National Technical Committee (NTC):

  • Formed to enhance security in computerized exams.
  • Develops protocols for IT security and surveillance.

Challenges

  1. Systemic Failures: Current examination systems, especially for high-stakes exams like NEET and UGC NET, have demonstrated systemic failures in conducting fair and secure assessments.
  2. Accountability Issues: There is a pressing need to fix accountability within institutions like the National Testing Agency (NTA) to prevent exam irregularities and restore public trust.
  3. Cramming Culture: The emphasis on single high-stakes exams encourages a culture of rote learning and promotes the growth of coaching institutes focused solely on exam cracking rather than conceptual understanding.
  4. Mismatched Aptitude Assessment: Current selection processes often fail to assess students’ aptitudes and interests, leading to mismatches between students and their chosen fields of study or careers.
  5. Undermined School Education: The quality of school education, particularly in higher classes (11th and 12th), has been compromised in favor of coaching institutions, neglecting holistic development envisioned in policies like NEP 2020.
  6. Archaic Assessment Systems: The continued reliance on summative assessments in school boards and delayed implementation of NEP 2020’s reforms towards formative and competency-based assessments hinder educational progress.
  7. Technology Implementation Gaps: Despite the establishment of the NTA for online testing since 2017, there persists a reluctance to fully adopt modern technology-driven exam procedures, perpetuating vulnerabilities to fraud and malpractice.
  8. Examination Integrity: The prevalence of fraudulent practices in traditional exam formats poses significant challenges to maintaining exam integrity and fairness.

Proposed Solutions

  • Accelerated Adoption of Online Testing: Accelerate the adoption of online testing platforms for major exams like NEET and UGC NET, ensuring secure, fair, and technologically advanced assessments.
  • Cyber Security Enhancements:

Implement robust cyber security protocols aligned with global standards to safeguard online exam processes against potential threats and breaches.

  • Capacity Building and Training:

Invest in capacity building and training for exam conducting authorities, teachers, and students on effective use of technology in examination processes, ensuring smooth transition and adherence to new practices.

  • Continuous Assessment Implementation: Introduce quarterly online assessments using standardized question banks and AI-based fraud detection systems to promote continuous learning and reduce dependency on single exams.
  • Enhanced Accountability Measures:

Strengthen institutional accountability within the NTA and other exam conducting bodies through transparent processes and stringent oversight mechanisms.

  • Promoting Conceptual Understanding: Shift focus from rote learning to conceptual understanding by reforming curriculum and assessment patterns, aligning with the principles of NEP 2020.
  • Holistic Aptitude Assessment:

Incorporate social and professional aptitude evaluations, such as internships and participation in community service programs, to better align students’ interests with educational and career choices.

  • Reforming School Education Practices: Revitalize school education by revising assessment systems to emphasize formative and competency-based evaluations, fostering holistic development among students.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing India’s examination crisis requires systemic reforms that prioritize continuous assessment, enhance accountability, promote conceptual understanding, and embrace modern technology. By reforming school education practices and adopting robust cyber security measures, India can ensure fair and reliable assessment processes that foster holistic student development.

Source:The Hindu

Mains Practice Question:

Explain how shifting from a reliance on single high-stakes exams to continuous assessment can address the challenges in India’s current examination system. Discuss the benefits of this approach in promoting fairer evaluations and fostering holistic student development.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/public-examinations-prevention-of-unfair-means-bill-2024/