Exposing Double Standards: UGC-NET Exam Cancellation and the Controversial Return to Pen-and-Paper Format

-Milik Ahmed

The cancellation of the UGC-NET June 2024 examination has once again brought to light the glaring issues within our examination system. On June 19th, the University Grants Commission (UGC) received alarming information from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit, indicating that the integrity of the exam conducted on June 18th might have been compromised. As a result, the Ministry of Education decided to cancel the exam and announced plans for a re-examination, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) tasked with the investigation.

While the government’s response appears to be swift, the lack of public outcry and media scrutiny regarding this issue is both surprising and disappointing. When similar irregularities occurred with the NEET (UG) 2024 examination, the public reaction was immediate and intense, demanding transparency and accountability from the authorities. However, the same level of scrutiny seems to be absent for the UGC-NET cancellation, raising serious concerns about consistency and fairness in how we address examination fraud.

Questioning the Inconsistency in Public and Media Scrutiny

The stark difference in public and media response to the UGC-NET cancellation compared to other exams like NEET begs the question: Why do we show selective outrage? The NTA-UGC NET is a crucial exam for postgraduates aspiring to qualify for the roles of Assistant Professors and for Junior Research Fellowships in Indian universities and colleges. The potential impact on these candidates is significant, yet the lack of widespread questioning and criticism is puzzling.

The Issue of Examination Format: A Step Backwards?

Another critical aspect that demands attention is the decision to conduct the UGC-NET in pen and paper format (OMR sheets) this year. Since December 2018, the UGC-NET has been conducted by the NTA in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. However, this year, in a departure from previous practice, the National Eligibility Test (NET) was conducted in pen-and-paper mode on a single day — June 18 — with a record 11 lakh students registering for the exam (source: Hindustan Times). Why was there a regression to an outdated and more vulnerable examination format? This shift not only increases the risk of malpractices but also undermines the technological advancements made in the examination process.

Impact on Students

The decision to cancel the exam affects thousands of candidates who have dedicated significant time and effort to their preparations. These students now face uncertainty, anxiety, and potential delays in their academic and professional plans. It is imperative that their plight is acknowledged and addressed with the same urgency and concern shown in other examination-related issues.

Lack of Transparency and Accountability

The authorities’ responsibility does not end with the cancellation of the compromised exam. There needs to be a transparent and timely communication regarding the re-examination process and the measures being taken to prevent future incidents. The investigation by the CBI should be thorough, and its findings must be made public to restore faith in the examination system.

A Call for Uniform Scrutiny and Modernization

To address these issues, we need a consistent and robust approach:

• Uniform Scrutiny: The public, media, and concerned stakeholders must uniformly scrutinize and hold the authorities accountable for all examinations. Every exam, regardless of its perceived importance, should be conducted with the highest integrity.
• Support for Affected Students: Establish support systems for students affected by such cancellations, including counseling services and clear communication about the re-examination process. This can help alleviate the stress and uncertainty faced by the candidates.
• Policy Reforms and Technological Advancements: Implement stringent measures and leverage technological advancements to prevent paper leaks and other malpractices. The decision to revert to a pen-and-paper format is a step backwards and should be reconsidered in favor of more secure and efficient methods like CBT.

Conclusion

The cancellation of the UGC-NET June 2024 examination is a glaring reminder of the vulnerabilities in our examination system. While the government’s swift action to cancel the exam and initiate an investigation is a step in the right direction, the lack of widespread public discourse and scrutiny highlights the need for consistent vigilance and modernization. We must ensure that every examination is conducted with the highest standards of fairness and integrity, and that any compromise is met with uniform concern and corrective action. Only through such consistent and collective efforts can we uphold the sanctity of our educational assessments and safeguard the interests of our students.