Why is it in the news?

• During the recent National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET), there were allegations of inflated scores and ranks, potentially impacting candidates’ chances of securing admission in their desired colleges based on past performance.
• The coaching and counseling centers, usually owned by prominent business figures, have noticed that despite their guidance, many NEET aspirants failed to secure preferred seats. Despite this setback, the industry has managed to maintain its reputation through media coverage and social media presence. The stakeholders in this industry, alongside the 23 lakh NEET aspirants this year, are expressing concern. They argue that the mapping of scores to ranks should not deviate significantly from previous years. Amidst this dilemma, concerns of cheating and paper leaks have surfaced, highlighting the persistent challenge of maintaining exam integrity in medical admissions.

A Perspective:

Ensuring a Robust System

• NEET has evolved into a significant exam under the ‘One Exam, One Nation’ model due to its vast candidate pool, multiple languages of instruction, and diverse range of factors.
• Disparities in the quality of education and associated college fees are considerable, with government college seats costing less than private institutions by orders of magnitude.
• Parents are willing to go to great lengths to secure top ranks for their children in these competitive exams, driven by the importance placed on family reputation.
• Given the high stakes involved, NEET is susceptible to irregularities, whether accidental or deliberate. Therefore, stringent governance measures in the form of comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and their enforcement are essential. Any weak link in the operational chain, from question paper setting to exam conduct to admissions, must be addressed.

Addressing Weak Links

• Instances like the distribution of the wrong question paper at certain centers underscore the presence of vulnerabilities within the system. Questions arise about the process of accessing primary and backup question papers simultaneously and the authorization protocols followed. Such incidents, seemingly minor, can have significant repercussions on the exam’s integrity.
• To prevent such errors, strict SOPs involving all stakeholders, including question setters, translators, reviewers, examination center officials, print presses, banks, and invigilators, must be implemented. Any deficiencies in this chain could pave the way for malpractices, necessitating thorough investigations to uncover any misconduct.

Moving Towards Transparency

• Despite the challenges, it is commendable that the National Testing Agency (NTA) has proactively shared information in accordance with the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. The NTA’s disclosure of relevant details and adherence to SOPs for key processes have been largely successful.

Way Forward

• It is evident that robust SOPs are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the NEET exam.
• The NTA should focus on establishing stable cut-offs, preventing score inflation, and ensuring a fair distribution of ranks. A professional approach, akin to a war-room culture, should be adopted for efficient decision-making throughout the exam cycle.
• The continuous improvement and adaptation of the selection process, as endorsed by the Supreme Court, are essential to keep the examination relevant and meaningful.