IT’S a pity that over 22 lakh students set for the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2026 have been taken for a ride. The test has been cancelled at the height of the process after question papers were found to have been leaked. Allegations also suggest the leak took place at the highest level of the education ministry. This might or might not be true. But it is incumbent on the National Testing Agency to act with greater seriousness and accountability. Such leakages have tainted the image of this entity repeatedly in the past, but it is neither remorseful nor willing to mend its ways and ensure a smooth process. The process involves the future of several lakh students who put in hard efforts for years to prepare for this examination and qualify themselves for medical courses in universities across the country. A promise that the test would be conducted afresh and that no fresh payment has to be made by the students is small comfort. This hardly makes up for the frustration, anger and disappointment among students
Holding this kind of test is a gargantuan task. But an entity entrusted with such a major responsibility should carry with it the grit and determination to do a good job. That some 145 questions were leaked and sold via WhatsApp and other means across states presented a shocking scenario. In times of advanced communication technology, it is not difficult to organise such tests across states in a uniform and error-free manner. Proper safeguards have to be ensured at places where the printing or processing of question papers is done to avoid any leakage. Transportation of question papers by road or any other means could be avoided and instead electronic communication methods adopted. Several private entities are efficiently conducting similar tests for selections via the electronic mode. The possibilities are many, but are not explored. India’s education system itself is flawed and does not enjoy a flawless reputation. Lakhs of students fly abroad for higher studies, but fewer students from even our neighbourhood are coming in here to take up select courses of studies.
All systems have gone for a toss – and it would appear that nothing would function in a normal manner. Accountability is the first casualty. Lack of accountability starts with the leaders who govern the nation from its apex. When they do not take things seriously, those below them don’t care about flouting the rules. Every time something goes wrong and a public outcry follows, what they do is order an investigation, sit back and relax as if their job is over. Neither is the investigation report studied in detail nor is action taken against the guilty in most such cases as the errant have their high political connections. In the present case, an investigation is under way through four or more states and some arrests have been made. Punitive action must follow. What’s equally important is to avoid such a shameful scenario from recurring. The NTA must mend its ways and appoint efficient people at the top to oversee matters.
