Education is a cornerstone of individual growth and national development, with educational institutions and testing agencies at the central and state levels expected to play a fiduciary role in rewarding nothing but merit and in conferring academic honours only on those who have performed exceedingly well amid exacting standards. This will open doors of immense opportunities only to candidates who excel while taking competitive tests. However, of late scams, scandals and malpractices relating to various competitive tests have shattered the dreams and eroded the confidence of millions of students across the country in national and state testing systems, be it for central/state services or entering higher educational courses.
In light of the recent heavily flawed NEET and the subsequent cancellation of UGC-NET, The Pioneer’s Tanisha Saxena delves into the profound impact of such fiascos on students’ lives and highlights the urgent need for thorough reforms to protect the integrity of testing
systems in the realm of education.
The Indian education system has of late been beleaguered by downright malpractices and internal inefficiencies that undermine its integrity. One pervasive issue is the recurrent leakage of examination papers, which not only compromises the fairness of academic assessments but also erodes public trust in educational institutions. Additionally, the controversial practice of awarding grace marks, ostensibly to help students pass exams, often results in inflated scores that do not accurately reflect students’ abilities. Furthermore, the system is deeply entangled with larger political dynamics, where educational policies and institutional appointments are frequently influenced by political considerations rather than merit or institutional requirements. These malpractices collectively stymie genuine educational reform and perpetuate systemic inefficiencies, leaving many students ill-equipped for both higher education and the professional world.
NEET UG 2024: Chaos and controversy
This year’s National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET UG 2024) has been mired in controversy due to numerous allegations of irregularities. The main issues center on the distribution of incorrect question papers and torn OMR sheets at six centers, impacting approximately 1,600 candidates. To compensate for the lost exam time, the National Testing Agency (NTA) awarded compensatory marks, leading to an unusual surge in high scores and a significant number of top-ranking candidates. This situation saw 67 candidates achieve top ranks, with many scoring a perfect 720/720.
Complicating matters, errors in the NCERT textbooks led to revisions in the answer keys, which boosted the scores for some candidates. Allegations of paper leaks and other malpractices have also surfaced, prompting calls for either a re-examination or a thorough investigation into the matter.
The NEET is a pivotal platform in India, designed for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate medical and dental courses (MBBS and BDS) in various institutions nationwide. The NEET was first proposed in 2010 as a unified examination to replace multiple entrance tests conducted by different states and institutions. “It was initially held in 2013 but faced legal challenges, leading to its temporary replacement by the All-India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT). In 2016, the Supreme Court of India reinstated NEET as the sole entrance examination for medical and dental courses, streamlining the admission process.
Having said that, the legitimacy of NEET has always been in question. Several states disagree with the current process, pointing out that the NTA has significant loopholes that need to be addressed. Lakhs of students aspiring to gain admission to medical colleges or other educational institutions through entrance exams are subjected to a deeply flawed system. The NTA is known for its strict policies, such as not allowing students to enter the examination center even if they are late by just a minute. Now, the same institution is trying to evade responsibility for an incident, citing its reputation. What about the students and their futures? We are all losing hope in the system,” emphasises educationist Ajaya Kumar Vemulapati.
Systemic vulnerabilities in exam security
According to a PTI report, the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of the Bihar Police
seized post-dated cheques that are believed to have been issued to a mafia group. This
mafia allegedly demanded more than 30 lakh from each candidate for access to a purportedly leaked question paper prior to the National Eligibility and Entrance Test for Undergraduates (NEET-UG) conducted last month, as per police information.
Honey Bagga, NSUI national secretary, says, “Exam paper leaks pose a significant threat to our education system and society at large. Approximately twenty-four lakh students sat for the NEET this year, and now their futures are at risk. Arrests have been made in states including Bihar and Gujarat. Notably, some coaching institutes have provided blank cheques worth Rs. 2.5 crore to the NTA on behalf of their students. Students have reported receiving calls offering to reserve their seats for a certain amount of money. The NSUI conducted a sting operation, capturing individuals on record stating that a sum of money could secure a seat. Students we spoke with also shared that they received similar calls demanding more than Rs. 50,000.”
Students across the country are protesting malpractices in the education system. Harsh Dubey, a NEET aspirant, states, “We are going to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) plea and see what happens. It is extremely disheartening to see that a system we believed in has robbed us. The State is responsible for this. Many people argue that parents are willing to pay hefty sums to secure seats for their children. But I ask: How many parents can actually afford to do so? We cannot dismiss the state’s responsibility to oversee the system. We come from middle-class families where parents put everything at stake to get their children educated. Who has the right to play with our careers?”
Unaddressed causes of paper leaks
Paper leaks in India’s education system are a multifaceted issue with several underlying causes. Understanding these causes is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat this problem. Research reports and statistics shed light on various factors contributing to question paper leaks in India.
“One of the primary causes of paper leaks is the inadequate security measures in place to protect examination papers. According to a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, lapses in the storage and transportation of examination papers are significant vulnerabilities that are often exploited by individuals seeking to leak papers. The report highlights that many educational boards and institutions lack robust protocols to ensure the secure handling of question papers, making them susceptible to breaches,” explains educationist and Chairman of Roots Collegium BP Padala.
Corruption and bribery within the education system play a critical role in facilitating paper leaks. A study conducted by Transparency International India revealed that the education sector is one of the most corrupt ones in the country, with widespread instances of bribery and nepotism. The report indicates that insiders, such as board officials, school administrators, and employees at printing facilities, often collude with coaching centers and students to leak papers in exchange for financial gains.
Plus, “Infrastructure maintenance is crucial across all domains. Just like how we receive regular updates for our mobile phones, it is essential to regularly upgrade and monitor computer systems at exam centers. Additionally, the implementation of comprehensive cybersecurity measures is necessary to prevent unauthorized access, especially in the light of AI advancements making proxy writing more accessible,” contends cyber expert Praveen Kumar Tangella.
A research paper published in the Journal of Education and Practice noted that many educational institutions in India lack the necessary cybersecurity infrastructure to protect digital examination content from being hacked. The report emphasises that weak cybersecurity measures, such as poor encryption and inadequate access controls, make it easier for hackers to access and distribute examination papers illicitly.
Furthermore, the high stakes associated with major examinations in India, such as board exams and entrance tests for professional courses, create a fertile ground for paper leaks. A survey by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) found that the pressure to perform well in these exams leads students and parents to resort to unethical practices, including buying leaked papers. The intense competition for limited seats in prestigious institutions and lucrative job opportunities exacerbate matters.
Legal loopholes and weak enforcement
An ineffective regulatory framework and a lack of stringent enforcement are also significant contributors to the prevalence of paper leaks and other malpractices. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports has pointed out in its reports that the existing laws and regulations are often not stringent enough to deter individuals from engaging in paper leaks. The committee’s findings suggest that the penalties for those caught leaking or purchasing papers are insufficient and that there is a need for more rigorous enforcement of anti-cheating laws.
Samridhi Arora, Advocate on Record, Supreme Court of India, opines, “In February, several media reports revealed 41 exam leaks over five years, affecting 1.4 crore applicants across 15 states. The 2021 NEET leak in Jaipur led to eight arrests, including three students and two coaching academy owners, while the CBI also investigated manipulations in the 2021 JEE (Mains). To combat such malpractices, the new Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill proposes a 10-year jail term and fines up to Rs 1 crore. Authorities are urged to use technology to streamline and secure exam processes. These incidents pose substantial problems for students and the education system. For students, leaks introduce unfair competition, granting some an undue advantage and undermining the efforts of genuine candidates. It also causes psychological stress and uncertainty about the exam process’s integrity. For the education system, leaks erode trust, necessitate re-examinations, and demand additional resources to prevent future occurrences. Addressing these leaks is critical to maintaining the fairness and credibility of competitive exams like NEET, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity based on merit.”
Current laws in India regarding exam malpractices for SSC and NEET are stringent. Key provisions include IPC sections 420 (cheating) and 468 (forgery), the Information Technology Act sections 66D (cheating by personation using computer resources) and 43 (damage to computer systems), and specific guidelines from SSC and NEET that mandate severe penalties such as disqualification and legal action. The Prevention of Corruption Act addresses the involvement of public officials. Additionally, various states have their own Unfair Means Acts to curb exam malpractice. Authorities use technology like biometric verification, CCTV surveillance, and strict invigilation to ensure fair examinations.
Despite these measures, incidents of malpractice such as paper leaks, undue grace marks, and other issues continue to plague the system.
Scandals of the past: Warnings ignored
India has faced significant instances of malpractice in entrance exams, highlighting systemic issues. One of the most infamous is the Vyapam scam, where massive irregularities were discovered in exams conducted by the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board. This scam involved proxy candidates, bribery, and manipulation, implicating numerous officials and politicians. Another major case is the recurring fraud in NEET, including cheating via electronic devices, impersonation, and paper leaks. In 2018, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) faced backlash when Class 10 Mathematics and Class 12 Economics exam papers were leaked, forcing re-examinations. Similarly, the 2016 Bihar Toppers Scam revealed top scorers had fraudulently secured their ranks, involving school officials and intermediaries. The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) exams in 2018 also saw allegations of leaked papers and irregularities, leading to nationwide protests. These cases have spurred reforms such as increased surveillance, digital monitoring, and stricter regulations to prevent future malpractices.
Dr. Gowri Shankar Rao, Dean of Mohan Babu University, reiterates, “I believe the problem lies not with the systems in place, but with people and their dishonesty. I am fundamentally opposed to the current selection and qualification processes for courses like engineering, medicine, and especially civil services. Instead of relying solely on exams and marks, there should be a system where children or candidates gain voluntary experience and develop practical skills in relevant domains. It is well established that anyone can score high marks, but what we need are individuals with passion and commitment.”
He adds, “I am particularly frustrated with individuals from engineering and medical backgrounds becoming civil servants. They often lack essential knowledge about society (sociology), human behavior (psychology), and the evolution of humans within society (anthropology). Their extensive domain-specific education-spanning four, five, or even ten years-seems of little relevance in the context of civil service, where a deep understanding of societal dynamics is crucial.”
When educational institutions lose their independence to political motives, society faces a perilous erosion of academic integrity.
Avinash, a PhD scholar in Habsiguda, stresses, “Educational institutions are increasingly losing their autonomy and distinctiveness as political parties exert greater influence over their operations and leadership appointments. For instance, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Delhi University (DU) have witnessed significant political interference in recent years, with Vice Chancellors often being appointed based on their political alignments rather than academic merit. This encroachment undermines the academic freedom and intellectual rigor that define these institutions, as administrative decisions become driven by political agendas rather than educational priorities. Consequently, the distinct identities and reputations of these universities as bastions of independent thought and scholarly excellence are eroded, compromising their ability to foster critical thinking and innovation.”
In sum, the causes of paper leaks in India are diverse, ranging from inadequate security measures and corruption to technological vulnerabilities and high examination stakes. Addressing these issues requires a multi-pronged approach, including enhancing security protocols, improving regulatory frameworks, and fostering a culture of accountability. By tackling these root causes, India can work towards ensuring the integrity and credibility of its education system.
