New Delhi – Investigations by various news agencies have revealed that over 70 exam leaks have occurred in the last seven years across 15 states, affecting 1.7 crore applicants. These incidents have raised serious concerns about the integrity of exams in India, including high-profile cases like the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak.
State-Wise Impact
States such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Gujarat have been significantly affected. Rajasthan alone has witnessed over 14 incidents of leaks from 2015 to 2023, including the senior government school teachers’ recruitment exam in December 2022. Gujarat has faced 14 similar incidents, including the GPSC chief officer exam and multiple others from 2014 to 2023. Uttar Pradesh reported at least nine leaks between 2017 and 2024, notably affecting exams like the Inspectors Online Recruitment Test and the Class 12 board exam.
National Concerns Over Paper Leak
The NEET-UG 2024 paper leak, which affected over 24 lakh aspirants, has brought the issue into sharp focus. The cancellation of the UGC NET 2024, a day after it was held, due to confirmed malpractices has further shaken confidence in the National Testing Agency (NTA). The recent law passed in 2024, imposing a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore for paper leaks, has not yet shown a significant impact in curbing these malpractices.
Political Reactions
Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the government for failing to conduct free and fair exams, attributing the issue to the alleged capture of the education system by the RSS. He called paper leaks an “anti-national activity” and accused the BJP of facilitating this problem.
Factors and Consequences
Investigations have revealed that substantial amounts of money are exchanged in these leaks, often involving government officials, teachers, and printing personnel. Social media platforms have exacerbated the issue by enabling the rapid spread of leaked papers. Delays in rescheduling exams after leaks have also demoralized aspirants, with some waiting up to two years for rescheduled exams.
Unreported Incidents
Several paper leaks go unreported, leading to instances where individuals secure jobs unfairly. Reports of ‘land for jobs’ schemes in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have further complicated the situation.
Conclusion
The rampant malpractice of paper leaks continues to undermine the integrity of exams in India, affecting millions of aspirants and highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions to ensure fair and transparent examination processes.
