Tackling Exam Paper Leaks in India: Causes and Solutions
Exam paper
leaks happen frequently in India in recent years across a wide range of
educational boards and institutions.. The NEET controversy has brought national
attention to this malpractice, highlighting a severe issue within India's
education system. Over the last seven years, over 70 confirmed exam leaks have
been reported across 15 states, disrupting the schedules of approximately 1.7
crore applicants. The recent NEET-UG 2024 paper leak, an all-India exam with
over 24 lakh aspirants, has further emphasized the control of the paper leak
mafia over exams in India.
The UGC NET
2024 was canceled a day after the exam due to reported malpractices. The news
of UGC NET being compromised amidst the NEET-UG paper leak fiasco has caused
students and other stakeholders to question the integrity of the testing agency
NTA. Conducting exams fairly now appears to be a significant challenge.
Causes of Exam Paper
Leaks
Exam paper
leaks occur due to several reasons:
1.
Corruption : Corruption within the education system allows individuals to be
bribed into leaking papers for money or favors. The promise of financial gain
can tempt those in positions of trust to compromise the examination process.
2. Weak
Security Measures : Inadequate security measures within educational institutions
make them vulnerable to leaks. Unauthorized access and manipulation of question papers
may be possible if there is insufficient control over their production,
storage, and delivery.Lax
security protocols make it easy for individuals to bypass the system and leak
papers.
3.
Technological Advancements : The advent of technology has brought both
advantages and disadvantages to the education system. It has made
things more accessible and expanded learning opportunities, but it has also
opened up new ways for paper leaks. Exam papers can be unlawfully accessed by
hackers through the use of digital storage, online platforms, and shoddy IT
infrastructure.
The rise of
digitalization without corresponding security measures has made it easier for
tech-savvy individuals to leak exam papers.
4. Insider
Threats: It is impossible to ignore the role insiders—teachers, secretaries, or
students—play in exam paper leaks. Factors such as discontent, personal gain, or pressure from
external entities can tempt insiders to leak the papers. These individuals,
having direct access to the examination process, can easily compromise its
integrity.
5. Social
Media : Social media plays a crucial role in the rapid circulation and
dissemination of leaked papers, reaching thousands of participants almost
instantly, most often in exchange for money. The anonymity and wide reach of
social media platforms make them ideal for spreading leaked information quickly
and broadly.
Legislative Measures
In response,
Parliament passed a law in 2024 to tighten control over the exam mafia with
harsh punishments for paper leaks. The law includes provisions for a maximum
jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to ₹1 crore. If the examination
authority or the service provider commits an organized crime, the jail term
will be a minimum of five years and a maximum of 10, with the fine remaining at
₹1 crore.
Despite such
a law, the impact has been minimal, which again raises questions about the
integrity of exams and officers of different boards. These laws don't guarantee
a restriction on paper leaks, with action being possible only after a leak has
occurred. No measure is mentioned for ensuring free and fair conduct of exams.
Addressing the
Problem
To
effectively combat exam paper leaks, a multifaceted approach is required:
1.
Strengthening Security Measures : Educational institutions must implement
stringent security protocols to protect the integrity of exam papers. This
includes secure printing, storage, and distribution processes, as well as regular
audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.
2.
Leveraging Technology: While technology can be a source of risk, it can also be
part of the solution. Institutions should invest in robust IT infrastructure
and cybersecurity measures to prevent unauthorized access to digital exam
papers. Additionally, the use of blockchain technology for secure and
tamper-proof record-keeping could be explored.
3. Promoting
Transparency: Transparency in the examination process is essential to build
trust and deter malpractice. This can be achieved by involving multiple
stakeholders in the process, conducting random checks, and ensuring that there
is accountability at every stage.
4. Enforcing
Laws Strictly: The new legislation must be enforced rigorously to ensure that
those who engage in paper leaks are held accountable. Swift and decisive action
against offenders will send a strong message and help restore public confidence
in the system.
5. Raising
Awareness: Educating students, teachers, and administrators about the
consequences of exam paper leaks and the importance of integrity in the
examination process is crucial. Awareness campaigns can help foster a culture
of honesty and discourage unethical behavior.
Conclusion
Exam paper
leaks are a serious threat to the integrity of India's education system. By
addressing the root causes and implementing comprehensive measures, India can
protect the sanctity of examinations and restore public trust. It is imperative
for all stakeholders, including educational institutions, government bodies,
and society at large, to work together in this endeavor. Only through
collective effort can we ensure that examinations are fair, transparent, and
truly reflective of students' abilities.
By Rohan
Jangir
DR. BHIMRAO
AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY , JAIPUR