Reasons for the Failures of the Current Exam System

Source: The post reasons for the failures of the current exam system has been created, based on the article “NEET/NET fiasco: It’s time for technology to step in where the exam system has failed” published in “Indian express” on 28th June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

Context: The article discusses the failures of the current exam system, suggests continuous assessment, online testing, AI-based proctoring, and internships for admissions. It emphasizes reforms to reduce fraud and improve education quality, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020 goals. Reasons for the Failures of the Current Exam System.

For detailed information on Revision of Competitive Examination read this article here

What are the main issues with the current exam system?

1. High-Stakes Exams: Exams like NEET and UGC NET are single high-stakes tests that push students towards cramming. Coaching centers flourish, focusing on passing exams rather than understanding subjects.
2. Impact on School Education: Grades 11 and 12 are overshadowed by coaching institutions, compromising holistic personality development outlined in the National Education Policy 2020.
3. Drop in Engineering Graduates: In the last five years, the number of engineering graduates has decreased by 40%, indicating a lack of student interest after securing admission.
4. Outdated Assessment Methods: School boards use outdated and non-standardized assessment methods, focusing on rote learning. The 2022-23 deadline for implementing competency-based assessments from NEP 2020 has been missed.
5. Exam Conduct Issues: The inability to conduct large-scale exams professionally is troubling. Despite the NTA’s establishment in 2017, pen and paper exams prone to fraud are still used.

What should be done?

1. Change Selection Process: Introduce continuous assessment over two years for higher education admissions, reducing reliance on single high-stakes exams.
2. Implement Continuous Online Assessments: Assign 40% weightage to eight quarterly online assessments using a standardized question bank. These tests ensure critical thinking and conceptual understanding and are taken within school premises.
3. Promote Social and Professional Aptitude: Allocate 40% weightage to internships and participation in NSS/NCC or social upliftment programs. These experiences enhance practical skills and social awareness through two six-week long internships.
4. Conduct Final Exams with Reduced Weightage: Assign 20% weightage to a final online exam like NEET/JEE, conducted twice a year, allowing students to choose the best score.
5. Use Technology for Integrity: Employ AI-based proctoring and robust question banks to prevent fraud. Collaborate with institutes like IITs and the Indian Statistical Institute to design secure exam protocols.

Question for practice:

Examine the impact of high-stakes exams and coaching centers on student learning and educational outcomes in India.