The Education System in Crisis: A Call for Accountability

The recent series of events in the Indian education system has left students in despair and uncertainty. The National Testing Agency (NTA) and the education department have failed to conduct exams efficiently, leading to widespread disappointment and frustration. The NEET-UG paper leak, cancellation of UGC-NET exams, postponement of NEET-PG exams, and last-minute rescheduling of Delhi University’s Faculty of Law exams have all contributed to a sense of chaos and mistrust.

The NEET-UG paper leak is a betrayal of trust, as students dedicate months or even years to prepare for the exam, only to have their efforts rendered meaningless by the NTA’s inability to secure the exam papers. According to the National Crimes Record Bureau, the suicide rate among students reached 7.6% in 2022, with many students taking their own lives due to the pressure and stress of competitive exams. The repercussions of this leak are profound, shaking the foundation of fairness and integrity in our education system.

The NTA’s incompetence has left thousands of aspiring doctors in limbo, with their futures hanging in the balance. The Central Bureau of Investigation has been tasked with investigating the paper leak, and 11 arrests have been made from various states. The Supreme Court has also accepted that the examination was compromised, contradicting the statement made by the Union education minister.

The cancellation of UGC-NET exams is another example of the NTA’s mismanagement, leaving students without a valid explanation or apology. The education department’s failure to conduct the exams as scheduled shows a lack of planning and accountability. The state is oblivious to the effort and dedication required for scholars to prepare for this examination.

The postponement of NEET-PG exams adds to the frustration, with students forced into limbo and their careers stalled. The uncertainty and anxiety caused by these delays are detrimental to the mental health and professional futures of these students. The continuous rescheduling signifies a lack of preparedness and respect for the candidates’ time and dedication.

The postponement of the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi exams is perhaps the most scandalous, with no reason given for the sudden change. This act of impromptu announcement raises questions about favouritism and corruption. Students who had secured admissions to LLM programs domestically and abroad were left bewildered and lost, with some having to postpone their joining dates.

The introduction of the Manusmriti, an ancient Hindu legal text, to students at the Faculty of Law, Delhi University is not only misguided but outright harmful. This text perpetuates regressive social norms and undermines the principles of equality and justice. By endorsing such a document, the university risks indoctrinating future lawyers with archaic notions of caste hierarchy, gender discrimination, and social injustice.

The education system is in crisis, with the NTA and education department failing to conduct exams efficiently. The consistent failures and irregularities are not mere accidents, but the result of mismanagement and a lack of accountability. It is high time these bodies are held responsible for their actions. The repeated disruptions and mismanagement have undermined the credibility of our education system, leaving students disillusioned.

The NTA has decided to seek suggestions from parents to restructure the organization, but this is not enough. Instead of providing answers for its failure, it is seeking to shape itself according to the interests of those it serves. It is not just the NTA failing to do its job, but organizations like the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) are continuously changing the syllabus for social sciences, omitting important events and history.

Major incidents like these compel us to examine the organizational structure and necessary changes required to make it reliable. Without reforms, this cycle of corruption and technical skills to compromise examination integrity will continue to persist, leaving students vulnerable to further suffering. The authorities concerned must adhere to principles of transparency and accountability and take immediate corrective actions. The future of our students and the integrity of our education system are in jeopardy. It is time for the authorities to deliver and answer for their failures.