CoinWorld reports:
Source: Global Times
An article from India’s “Indian Express” on July 1st, titled “Addressing Exam Leak Issues Requires Comprehensive Planning; AI and Blockchain Technologies are Just Means Among Many”
Even before the 18th session of the People’s Chamber commenced and the new government members took office, two major entrance exams organized by India’s National Testing Agency (NTA) had sparked significant controversy. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a standardized exam aimed at selecting candidates for undergraduate and postgraduate medical programs in public and private medical colleges. The University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) is a qualification exam for assistant professors and junior researchers across national universities, as well as an entrance exam for certain doctoral programs.
Exam malpractice casts a shadow
The NEET exam held on May 5th faced accusations of unfair scoring, malpractice, and impersonation. The NET exam on June 18th had its results invalidated the next day due to reports of question paper leaks 48 hours prior, being sold on the dark web and encrypted social platforms.
The various issues in these exams have drawn widespread social concern, deeply troubling students and parents alike. Despite the dismissal of responsible officials, the NTA, as the specialized agency overseeing entrance exams, remains under a cloud.
Led by K. Radhakrishnan, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation and current Chairman of the Council of IIT Kanpur, a team of seven experts has been assembled to provide advice and recommendations on “reforming India’s exam process mechanisms, optimizing data security protocols, and restructuring NTA frameworks and functional planning.”
The Central Bureau of Investigation of India has launched an investigation into this case. These measures aim to chart a course for the future of India’s education system. However, regaining the trust of the younger generation remains a daunting task for all stakeholders.
Dark web not the sole source of leaks
Today, technological means have become integral to the examination ecosystem. Since its establishment in 2017, the NTA has successfully conducted multiple exams such as the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT). NEET-UG employs an optical mark recognition-based exam mode with independent seating and filling of answer sheets. Since 2018, NET has been computer-based, but this year reverted to a manually marked answer sheet mode. Despite advancements brought by the NTA to India’s examination system, issues persist in technology glitches, limited seating, standardization, exam transport, and secure storage.
Prior to the application of technological means, unlawful elements had already leaked exam papers. Today, criminal groups and vested interests extensively utilize the dark web and social media platforms, yet the dark web alone does not solely cause exam paper leaks. Excessive focus on the dark web risks overlooking systemic issues. Likewise, claims of NTA website hacking are oversimplified.
Comprehensive planning needed to combat leaks
Authorities should explore comprehensive, multi-layered solutions and utilize cutting-edge technologies to promote a robust exam system. For instance, blockchain technology can securely store, manage, prevent tampering, and trace access records of question banks. Biometric recognition technologies like fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scanning, and live detection can effectively combat malpractice and illegal activities. Adaptive testing technologies can tailor exams for each candidate, reducing cheating. Decentralized exam delivery systems can reduce dependence on central servers, minimizing the risk of network attacks. AI-based grading models can effectively detect cheating and collusion among candidates. Blockchain-based grading release models ensure transparency and prevent unauthorized score tampering.
However, effectively addressing exam leaks requires comprehensive planning, including but not limited to strengthening anti-corruption efforts, optimizing security protocols, reforming the education system to alleviate exam stress, and addressing societal wealth disparities that exacerbate inequality. India’s immediate priority is to rebuild confidence in the exam system, with technology and institutional implementation providing effective support. (Translated by Huaze Xun)
