Is India’s examination system failing its students?

India, known for its rigorous examination culture, is currently facing a crisis of trust in its educational assessments.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting crucial exams that determine the academic futures of millions of students, has been accused of manipulating results and leaking exam papers, putting the future of many students at risk.

These allegations have raised doubts about the integrity of these exams, leading to protests and legal actions against the NTA.

The arguments

In response to the escalating crisis, the government has promised thorough investigations, and the education minister has taken moral responsibility.

Experts have advocated for practical measures such as conducting basic checks during result compilation and investigating irregularities.

Addressing the root causes of fraud in the education system necessitates a multifaceted approach, including legal reforms and improved oversight mechanisms. However, educationist Maheshwer Peri recommend practical measures such as enhanced scrutiny during result compilation and thorough investigations into irregularities.

He mentioned that rebuilding trust in the examination system requires comprehensive legal reforms and strengthened oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability.

The integrity of India’s examination system is being questioned, and restoring trust demands significant changes. Activists and students are calling for fair re-tests and thorough investigations to ensure justice for those impacted.

Rahul Gandhi, the Congress party’s leader, also criticised the president, saying on social networking site X that “Papers are being leaked continuously in India and Narendra Modi is either unable to stop it or does not want to stop it. BJP ruled states have become the epicentre of paper leaks and laboratories of education mafias. The BJP government is playing with the future of the youth by ruining the education system. INDIA will never allow this to happen”.

In an official statement made on Thursday, the Ministry of Education refuted the claims levelled against it by opposition parties, affirming its commitment to maintaining “the sanctity of examinations and protect the interests of students”.

The facts

Recently, the Indian government had to cancel or reschedule three major public exams, including the NEET-UG, affecting a significant 1.3 million students.

The NEET-UG exam, which attracts over 2.4 million candidates competing for just 110,000 medical college seats, has faced scrutiny due to these cancellations, prompting calls for reforms within the NTA.

While cheating and paper leaks are not uncommon in India’s examination system, educationist Maheshwer Peri has shed light on a widespread network of corruption within the examination ecosystem.

According to reports, a nexus comprising teachers, middlemen, and exam center operators have been identified as facilitating the leak of question papers and providing pre-solved answers for a fee.

This malpractice is particularly prevalent in state-level exams for government positions, where candidates face high stakes and limited opportunities.

The intense pressure on students is exacerbated by the limited educational opportunities and high costs associated with private schooling. Government colleges are more affordable but highly competitive.

Additionally, the economic scenario, marked by high unemployment and a skills crisis, worsens the situation.

As students navigate these challenging times, many believe that the government and educational institutions must collaborate to establish a fair and transparent system that truly reflects the capabilities and potential of the youth.

Experts say for now, India’s examination system is at a critical juncture that requires immediate attention and long-term solutions.