India's high-stakes exam system faces a crisis of trust
As exam scandals persist, critics ask whether fixing the centralised testing agency is enough or if the model needs to change.
India's national examination system has been plagued by a crisis of trust, with repeated failures exposing deep-rooted issues. In 2017, the National Testing Agency (NTA) was established under the federal education ministry to conduct fair, transparent, and standardized examinations, aiming to improve efficiency and credibility. However, eight years later, the agency faces a significant challenge as more than two million students had to retake a crucial medical entrance exam after its paper was leaked in June.
This led to youth-led protests and the resignation of the federal education minister, triggering a cycle of crises, protests, and proposed reforms.
The government has appointed a high-level task force led by tech tycoon Nandan Nilekani to recommend reforms and restore confidence. However, many Indians view this as a repeat of past cycles, with similar committees proposing reforms that have only partially been implemented. Experts argue that the problems extend beyond paper leaks, encompassing the agency's accountability, capacity, exam centralization, design, and the need to rethink India's high-stakes testing system.
BJ Rao, head of SGT University near Delhi, suggests moving towards computer-based examinations to minimize paper leaks and increase efficiency. However, he emphasizes that technology alone is insufficient; the NTA must also address its reliance on contract staff, many of whom lack the necessary expertise. Educationist Keshav Aggarwal proposes restructuring high-stakes exams like NEET-UG into multiple sessions with varying questions, reducing the risks associated with any single exam.
Yamini Aiyar advocates for more frequent opportunities for students to retake exams, reducing the impact of failures.
Student activists and opposition politicians are calling for the scrapping of the NTA, arguing that the agency needs deep structural reform. However, experts caution against abolishing the NTA, suggesting that a single national testing body offers common security standards, technology, candidate services, and result procedures, which could be more effective if improved.
The recurring failures have left many students frustrated, as they have spent years preparing and invested significant resources, only to have their efforts jeopardized by exam leaks or cancellations.
Written by urgent.news from BBC World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
