Ordeal Of Paper Leaks

India must have done a lot of progress our technology is the best in world but even today a paper leak free exam is not possible in any state in the country.

Let me share the story of Prakash, a boy from a small village who decided to crack a competitive exam. Prakash prepared a detailed study plan, joined a library, paid coaching fees, and sacrificed everything for his studies. He studied day and night, while his parents bore the burden of paying off loans to support his education Prakash traveled across six districts and changed two trains just to sit for a competitive exam. On his way back, he was standing in the luggage cabin of the train among 150 other students when he received devastating news: the exam had been canceled due to a paper leak.

Imagine, for a moment, the pain and disappointment Prakash felt. This story is not unique. If you visit cities across India, you will find millions of students who have spent years of their youth preparing for competitive and entrance exams. These students put in immense effort, only to have their dreams shattered by corrupt practices.

Who is behind these leaks ?

Students, Teachers, Exam mafias, government officials or Exam centres.

According to The Indian express, in the last 5 years, at least 48 cases of paper leaks have been reported in 16 state which impacted approx. 1.5 crore candidate life and 1.2 lakh posts. here’s the list of major exam paper leaks that occurred in India in 2024.

The NEET paper was leaked on social media 30 minutes before the exam. Multiple reports of UGC-NET paper leaks led to the postponement of the exam. Similar to UGC-NET, the CSIR-NET paper was also leaked. The UPTET paper was leaked and circulated on social media before the exam. A private college leaked the HSC Mathematics paper via WhatsApp. The Gujarat Subordinate Services Selection Board written test paper was allegedly sold for up to ₹15 lakh.The Hindi question paper for the Telangana Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exam was leaked and circulated on WhatsApp. These incidents of paper leaks are unfortunately becoming all too common.

GOVERNMENT TAKING PREVENTIVE ACTION BUT WHY FAILED ?

Protective laws and regulations introduced by the Indian government to address paper leaks include the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act 2024, which is a central law with provisions for fines, jail terms, and action against paper leak perpetrators, covering exams by central agencies like UPSC, SSC, NTA, and RRBs. State governments are empowered to ratify this central law and enact supplementary laws to address local issues, allowing for localized corrective actions by state education authorities. Uttar Pradesh has implemented a strict Anti-Leak Law with fines, bulldozer action, and jail terms for those involved in paper leaks. Enhanced exam security measures such as multiple question paper sets, unique barcodes/QR codes. Decentralized exam conduct empowers state education authorities to implement anti-cheating measures, designate reputable exam centers, involve multiple agencies, and require candidates to take exams outside their home divisions., AI for exam transparency and security, engagement of ethical hackers to identify vulnerabilities, and rewards for informants reporting potential leaks form a comprehensive strategy to curb paper leaks and restore credibility to India's examination system. But government failed because of lacking in enforcement. Government should focus on Enforcement Over Legislation While legislation provides the framework, effective enforcement is crucial. Strengthening oversight mechanisms through regular audits and inspections can deter potential leaks. Holding officials accountable for security lapses is essential.

Mental Health Impact on Students:

In the case of a paper leak, the stakes are much higher. A student might manage to compete with someone other student who copies one or two questions from a cheat note taken in exam hall. But how can they compete with a student who has purchased the leaked question paper for Rs 8-30 lakh? This disparity is where the true mental health impact lies. When students realize that the system is fundamentally against them, it erodes their faith in the system. This loss of faith is the biggest mental health impact on students. How can they motivate themselves to prepare for another year when the odds are so unfairly stacked against them?

Societal Impact of paper leak :

Students are not the only ones who face the consequences of paper leaks. Many institutions spend lakhs of rupees on conducting exams, and this money comes from taxpayers. When exams are compromised, the financial burden falls on society. The credibility of our education system is undermined, and the resources spent on maintaining its integrity are wasted.

The ripple effect extends to the job market as well. Graduates who have unfairly benefited from leaked papers may enter professional fields without the necessary knowledge and skills, potentially leading to a workforce that is ill-prepared for the demands of their respective industries. This situation affects not just the individuals but society as a whole, diminishing the quality of services and innovation.

Conclusion :

In summary, despite India's efforts to prevent paper leaks through strict laws and improved security, the problem persists due to weak enforcement. This not only affects students' mental well-being but also undermines trust in the education system and wastes public resources. To truly address this issue, authorities must focus on consistently monitoring and holding accountable those responsible for ensuring exam integrity. Only then can exams regain their fairness and credibility, benefiting both students and society as a whole.

References : 

https://indianexpress.com/article/express-exclusive/the-big-all-india-exam-leak-over-5-years-1-4-crore-job-seekers-in-15-states-bore-the-brunt-9145910/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKsd7uKGR oc .

  Written by Vikash Chaurasiya