In light of continuous irregularities, paper leaks, and technical issues in the competitive examination system, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has taken a significant step. ABVP has presented a detailed roadmap to Nandan Nilekani, the chairman of the High Powered Task Force constituted by the central government, to make the examination system flawless and transparent.
ABVP's main proposal is to conduct major competitive exams, including NEET, in two phases and explore the possibility of holding the NEET exam twice a year.
This suggestion paper was not prepared solely in closed rooms but based on the opinions of students and experts across the country. The organization organized roundtables in Pune, Nagpur, Bhopal, Delhi, Chandigarh, and South Bihar, where direct dialogue was established with students and education experts. These discussions resulted in dividing the examination reforms into three categories: immediate, medium-term, and long-term changes.
ABVP's 5 Key Recommendations
The first phase should be a screening test, followed by a main examination in the second phase for final selection. Doing this will reduce the pressure and dependence on a single-day exam for students. Additionally, following the model of JEE Main, it should be explored the possibility of conducting NEET twice a year so that students have the opportunity to utilize their best scores.
The organization has demanded that the examination be made maximally Computer Based Test (CBT), strengthen the security of question papers, and establish a uniform national standard for examination centers across the country. It also pointed out the need to create a clear protocol for immediate re-examination in case of any technical or administrative lapse at any center. Furthermore, a 'Central Examination Dashboard' should be developed to ensure complete transparency in the answer key, normalization, and tie-breaking process.
Under long-term reforms, it has been suggested that the education at the school and college level be strengthened so much that students do not have to depend on coaching institutes. In this regard, Dr. Virendra Singh Solanki, National General Secretary of ABVP, commented that the examination system should be one that accurately assesses the student's hard work and ability, rather than subjecting them to uncertainty and stress due to administrative or technical failure.
