"Education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela
Education has long been seen as the foundation of a prosperous and forward-thinking society in India. It is a guarantee of a brighter future, an equal opportunity for achievement, and the establishment of a great country. But recent events, such as the NEET UG paper leak, have called into question the impartiality and honesty of our educational system, upending this foundation. It is a symptom of more serious systemic problems that need immediate attention rather than only an isolated incident.
Historical Context of Examination Leaks in India
In India, examination leaks are not new. The public outcry over the 2018 CBSE Class 10 and 12 paper leaks led to re-examinations and investigations into security breaches. More than fifty of these occurrences have been documented in the last ten years, upsetting the lives of millions of students and undermining public confidence in the educational system. These leaks serve as a sharp reminder of the gaps in our inspection procedures and the reactive, as opposed to proactive, actions implemented by the government.
For more on previous exam leaks, read : The Unravelling Of India's Education System: Exam Scams And Brain Drain
The Evolution of Admission Systems and the Role of NEET
Before NEET, medical admissions were fragmented across various state and institutional exams, marred by corruption and regional biases. I personally remember, back in 2012, the multitude of different state exams that I had to go through. But 'fortunately', NEET was introduced in 2013, replacing the AIPMT exam structure with a promise to bring uniformity, meritocracy, and transparency. It promised a level playing field, reducing the scope for malpractice. Yet, the recent paper leak incident undermines these promises, revealing that the system is still vulnerable to corruption and manipulation.
The Immediate Need for a Retest
The integrity of the NEET UG exam has been compromised. A retest is crucial to ensuring fairness for all students. However, the call for a retest exposes a deeper, more insidious problem. There are whispers of exorbitant amounts being paid for guaranteed seats in prestigious colleges, with certain individuals assured of success if they follow specific instructions in the exam hall. A retest threatens to expose this corrupt network, leading to significant backlash from those with vested interests. The fear of powerful names and connections being dragged into the scandal might prevent a retest, keeping the system’s flaws hidden.
Furthermore, parents and students who might have engaged in bribery are hesitant to speak out for fear of legal repercussions. This silence only emboldens the corrupt parties, knowing they are unlikely to be exposed. The reluctance of the center to acknowledge and conduct a retest further erodes public trust in the ruling parties and educational institutions. Trust, once broken, is hard to rebuild, and the consequences of this erosion are far-reaching.
For more information, read: NEET 2024: Centre Opposes NEET UG Retest; NEET PG Revised Dates Announced
Societal and parental pressures
In India, students face a great deal of pressure due to society's fixation on a few 'prestigious' careers, including medical. Parents frequently push their children towards these jobs despite their interests and aptitudes because they are motivated by societal expectations and the possibility of social mobility. Students are experiencing high levels of stress and mental health problems as a result of this unrelenting quest for "success."
Institutions like Aakash and coaching hubs like Kota have become monopolies, feeding off this desperation. Students live far from home, enduring gruelling schedules and intense pressure to secure that one government seat that promises to change their lives and fulfil their parents' dreams. Studies have shown that the prevalence of depression and anxiety among these students is alarmingly high, with many suffering in silence.
For more on this, read: Another NEET Aspirant Suicide In Kota, Marking The 28th Case This Year
Questioning the system
The NEET paper leak should prompt us to question the very system we support. With the opposition questioning the ruling parties in the 18th Lok Sabha session repeatedly, society’s outrage over the leak is hypocritical if we continue to uphold a high-pressure, corrupt educational environment. We need reforms that promote a holistic approach to education, valuing diverse talents and interests. The disparity between underpaid working-class employees and the privileged elite must be addressed. Honest doctors, who make significant personal sacrifices, remain underpaid and undervalued. We must reflect on the true value of their work and advocate for a fairer system.
For more on this, read: Lok Sabha Session Day 5: Lok Sabha Adjourned Till Monday Amid Opposition’s Uproar Over NEET Issue
Possible Solutions
♦ Enhancing Test Security: Use cutting-edge technology to safeguard test papers, such as blockchain. To combat cheating, employ more biometric surveillance and verification during exams.
♦ Admittance Procedures Transparency: Maintain frequent audits and outside supervision to guarantee admissions procedures are transparent. To dissuade corruption, tougher sanctions should be applied to individuals engaged in wrongdoing.
♦ Reforms in Holistic Education: Put an emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving abilities rather than memorization. Promote a wide range of employment options outside of the conventional 'prestigious' fields.
♦ Mental Health Support: Provide schools and colleges with mental health support systems. To assist students in managing their stress and anxiety, offer counselling services.
♦ Parental education programmes: Inform parents on the value of identifying and fostering their kids' unique skills and passions. Encourage them to learn about the range of professions besides engineering and medicine.
♦ Fair Compensation and Working Conditions: Speak up in favour of physicians and other professionals receiving better compensation and working circumstances. Draw attention to the contributions made by these people and work to pass laws that will guarantee their just compensation and respect.
Conclusion
The NEET UG paper leak is a sign of more serious systemic problems that require immediate care. Retesting the exam is necessary to restore its integrity, but fixing the larger systemic problems is just as crucial. In order to create an educational environment that is more just and equal, parents, students, and society as a whole must consider their own roles in maintaining this broken system. We cannot aspire to construct a future where education genuinely functions as a tool for individual and societal growth without addressing these basic problems.
Inputs from Multiple Agencies
Media Sources: Multiple sources
*Disclaimer: These views presented in this article are my personal views and do not represent Vygr or Vygr Media.
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