Vandana Sharma, NEET Educator at Aakash Educational Service Ltd.
Rishabh Sharma, Law Student at the University of Allahabad, Prayagraj.
ABSTRACT
India’s exam paper leaks, particularly in crucial exams such as the NEET UG, have become a recurrent problem that subverts the meritocracy and equality guaranteed in our Constitution. This paper focuses on the two classes of causes this problem stems from: flaws of law and systemic corruption. Historically, leaks on paper were few and far between. Still, the advancement of technology and digital processes and the increased scale of standardised exams have led to growing concerns. Legislative measures like the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act 2024 (and different state laws) have tried to tackle the problem. Still, inefficiencies in coordination, lack of cybersecurity, and ineffective enforcement have all contributed to the problem. On the other hand, systemic corruption—fuelled by profit-minded coaching centres, dishonest bureaucrats, and social pressure—presents itself as a daunting challenge. Paper Piece also suggests that the action be driven by wide-ranging reforms like setting up an independent national examining body, granting more autonomy to exam- conducting institutes, strict protocols for handling such cases, and fast-track courts to deliver timely justice. The struggle against the leaking of papers is pertinent not only on the grounds of protecting the future of students but also on the grounds of maintaining trust between society and institutions.
