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Preventing Another NEET Fiasco
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Context
The issues faced during the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) this year have highlighted significant problems such as the inflation of scores and ranks, and the subsequent difficulties this caused for candidates. There is a pressing need for comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the integrity and fairness of the examination process.
Issues with NEET:
- Score Inflation and Rank Discrepancies: The inflation of scores and ranks led to many candidates not securing admission to their desired colleges despite expectations based on previous years’ scores.
- Irregularities and Allegations: Allegations of cheating, paper leakage, and other irregularities have persisted, undermining the credibility of the NEET exam.
- Impact on Aspirants: The discrepancies have significantly affected the 23 lakh NEET aspirants, causing distress and confusion among candidates and their families.
Need for Robust Governance and SOPs:
- High Stakes and Vulnerability: NEET’s high stakes make it vulnerable to both accidental and intentional irregularities. Strong governance is essential to maintain the integrity of the examination process.
- Distribution Errors: Incidents like the distribution of incorrect question papers highlight critical weaknesses in the current SOPs. Such errors lead to panic among candidates and require substantial corrective measures.
- Comprehensive SOPs: A thorough and foolproof set of SOPs covering all aspects of the exam process—from question paper setting to admissions—is necessary to prevent malpractices and ensure smooth operations.
Steps Towards Transparency and Improvement:
- NTA’s Voluntary Disclosures: Despite the issues, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has made commendable efforts in voluntarily disclosing information related to the examination process under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
- Legal Precedents for SOP Development: The need for well-defined SOPs has been established through legal battles and judgments, particularly concerning the admission processes for the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
- Continuous Upgradation: The importance of continuously upgrading and fine-tuning the selection process to maintain its relevance and integrity is essential, as highlighted by the Supreme Court’s observations.
UPSC Mains Questions
Q. Evaluate the role of transparency and voluntary disclosures by examination authorities like the NTA in maintaining the integrity of entrance exams. How does the Right to Information (RTI) Act contribute to this process?
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