The Union education ministry informed a parliamentary committee on Monday that pen-and-paper examinations present multiple opportunities for question paper leaks due to the involvement of many hands and cities. In contrast, Computer-Based Tests (CBT) remove this weakest link and pave the way for computer-adaptive testing (CAT), similar to the GRE and GMAT.
Presentation to Parliamentary Panel
During a presentation before the parliamentary panel on education, chaired by Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, the ministry highlighted that the National Testing Agency (NTA) has demonstrated the scalability of CBT by successfully conducting JEE exams in multiple sessions since 2019, according to sources.
Digvijaya Singh's Remarks Spark Controversy
Digvijaya Singh expressed hope for a fair re-test, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the issue. However, his comments triggered a political row, with Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, who is not a panel member, asserting that Singh had not given a clean chit to Modi. Singh told TOI that he is bound by rules not to disclose details of the meeting. The committee aims to present its report before June 21, when his Rajya Sabha term ends.
“As Modi himself is monitoring the issue, we are hopeful that the re-exam will be conducted fairly. If there is a leak again, it is his (PM’s) responsibility,” Singh said.
Ministry's Proposals Align with Radhakrishnan Committee
The ministry stated that its proposals are in line with the Radhakrishnan committee report. CBT can be scaled up to CAT, where the difficulty level of questions adjusts according to a candidate's performance.
NEET Re-examination Scheduled
After the cancellation of NEET (UG) due to a question paper leak, the NTA has announced a re-examination on June 21. NTA officials and representatives from the education and health ministries have appeared before the panel amid the controversy over irregularities.
