Exposed: How Exams Are Rigged in India | The NEET 2024 Scandal

The Indian education system, a cornerstone of meritocracy and a pathway to a brighter future is facing a crisis of unprecedented proportions. The recent NEET Scandal 2024 has exposed a deeply entrenched network of corruption and manipulation, casting a dark shadow over the integrity of examinations and the dreams of countless students. This is not just a paper leak; it’s a systemic failure, a mafia operating within the very fabric of the system, exploiting the aspirations of students for personal gain.

This article delves into the shocking world of exam rigging in India, revealing the dirty tricks and hidden agendas that are sabotaging the future of millions. Prepare to be outraged, as the evidence presented will shake your faith in the system and demand a call for action.

NEET Scandal 2024: A System Under Siege

The NEET Scandal 2024 is not an isolated incident. It’s a symptom of a larger, systemic problem that has plagued Indian examinations for years. The scandal has brought to light the intricate web of corruption that operates within the system, involving coaching centers, faculty members, and even parents, all colluding to manipulate the results and secure unfair advantages for their chosen candidates.

The NEET Scandal 2024 has exposed the vulnerability of the examination system to external forces, particularly the involvement of sophisticated hacking groups operating from outside India. This raises serious concerns about the security of online examinations and the potential for widespread manipulation.

A voice of concern

Dr. Ajay Kumar, a former president of the Indian Medical Association, a member of the National Medical Council (NMC), and a former head of the National Board of Examinations (NBE), provides a chilling account of the corruption he witnessed firsthand. In an audio recording, he reveals how the NBE, responsible for conducting the NEET PG examination, was infiltrated by unscrupulous individuals who compromised the integrity of the exams.

Dr. Kumar states that during his tenure at the NBE, they encountered numerous cases of question paper leaks, with at least 50-60 cases reaching the courts. He attributes this to a single individual within the NBE who was in collusion with external forces. This revelation highlights the critical need for robust internal controls and stringent security measures to prevent such breaches.

Newspaper Reports: NEET 2024

Newspaper reports have shed light on the modus operandi of these exam rigging gangs. One such gang, operating in India with hackers based in Russia, targeted the JEE Main 2021 examinations, a crucial gateway to prestigious engineering colleges like the IITs.

The gang, led by a Russian national named Michael Shan, operating from Kyrgyzstan, was contacted by individuals running coaching centers in India. They were brought to India, trained on the technology behind the examinations, and given access to the servers. This gang then proceeded to influence the examinations by remotely accessing the laptops of candidates at examination centers.

“This gang charged candidates ₹8-10 lakhs for JEE exams and ₹6-8 lakhs for GMAT examinations, making a profit of ₹50-60 crores,” reports revealed.

The gang used a software called “Ultra Viewer” to gain remote access to the laptops of candidates during the examination. This access was then provided to a “solver,” a faculty member who could answer the questions on behalf of the candidate.

“A police officer, posing as a candidate, paid the hackers and sat for the examination. With their help, he scored 780 out of 800 marks,” the report stated.

This case highlights the sophisticated nature of these gangs, their ability to exploit technological vulnerabilities, and their willingness to go to extreme lengths to manipulate the system. It also raises concerns about the security of online examinations and the need for robust security measures to prevent such breaches.

Delhi High Court Orders: JEE Main 2021

The Delhi High Court has also taken cognizance of the rampant exam rigging, issuing orders against individuals involved in the JEE Main 2021 scandal.

“The above persons are stated to have conned with the supervisor of the JEE Main 2021 session 4 Exam Center at Sonipat and made necessary arrangements for fraudulent practices,” the court order stated.

The court order highlights the involvement of examination centre supervisors in the rigging process, further emphasizing the systemic nature of the problem. It also underscores the need for stricter supervision and accountability at all levels of the examination process.

NEET 2024 Scandal: Series of events:

NEET Case in Patna (Bihar)

The NEET Scandal 2024 has unfolded in various parts of India, with several cases coming to light in different states. One such case occurred in Patna, Bihar, where over 20 medical aspirants were allegedly provided with question papers and answers in advance.

The Patna police received a tip-off about a suspected paper leak just hours before the NEET examination. They detained several individuals, including Sikander Yendu, a key conspirator, and recovered burned question papers from a private flat.

The arrest of four examiners and their parents further highlights the involvement of individuals within the examination system in facilitating these illegal activities.

Case of Sonipat (Eight Toppers)

Another alarming case emerged from Sonipat, where eight candidates from the same examination center achieved remarkably similar scores, raising suspicions of collusion and manipulation.

The fact that these eight toppers were not claimed by any coaching institute as their students and lacked family names further strengthens the suspicion of foul play. This case underscores the potential for widespread manipulation of examination results, with individuals benefiting from unfair advantages.

Panchmahal Godra District Case

The Supreme Court of India is currently hearing a case related to the NEET Scandal 2024 involving a group of students who allege widespread manipulation in the examination process.

The case centers around a particular examination center in Panchmahal, Godra district, Gujarat, where 16 students from distant states like Odisha, Jharkhand, and Karnataka allegedly paid 10 lakhs each to secure admission.

The students chose this specific center despite being from faraway locations, raising suspicions of a pre-arranged scheme. The police investigation revealed that these 16 students were part of a larger group of 26 who opted for this remote center.

The investigation also uncovered the involvement of Tushar P, a geography teacher at the school and the superintendent of the NEET center, who was allegedly involved in facilitating the manipulation.

Two Ways Leaks of Paper Happens

The NEET Scandal 2024 has exposed two primary methods used by these gangs to manipulate examination results:

1. Paper Leak: In this method, students are provided with question papers and answers hours before the examination. They are often taken to a designated location, where they are given the leaked material and instructed to memorize it. A solver may be present to assist them during the examination.
2. Remote Access: This method involves gaining remote access to the exam terminal of the candidate during the examination. A solver, located remotely, answers the questions on behalf of the candidate, ensuring a high score.

Both methods require a high degree of coordination and collusion, involving individuals within the examination system, coaching centers, and external hackers.

As a Country We Should Wake Up

The NEET Scandal 2024 is a wake-up call for India. It exposes the deep-rooted corruption that has infiltrated the education system, undermining the very foundation of meritocracy and fair play.

The scandal has far-reaching consequences, not only for the students who are denied their rightful place in educational institutions but also for the future of the nation. It erodes public trust in the system, discourages hard work and dedication, and creates a culture of entitlement and corruption.

Immediate Solutions

The NEET Scandal 2024 demands immediate and decisive action to restore the integrity of examinations and ensure a level playing field for all students. Here are some immediate solutions:

1. Strengthening Security Measures: The examination system needs to be fortified with robust security measures to prevent breaches and manipulation. This includes implementing advanced security protocols, using tamper-proof technology, and conducting regular audits to identify vulnerabilities.
2. Increased Surveillance: Examination centers should be under constant surveillance to deter cheating and ensure the integrity of the process. This includes deploying CCTV cameras, using biometric authentication, and employing trained invigilators.
3. Data Analysis and Forensic Audits: The use of data analytics and forensic audits can help identify patterns of suspicious activity and uncover instances of manipulation. This includes analyzing candidate scores, identifying unusual trends, and tracing the origin of leaked information.
4. Stricter Penalties: The penalties for exam rigging and corruption need to be significantly increased to deter future offenses. This includes imposing heavy fines, imprisonment, and permanent bans from participating in examinations.
5. Public Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns are crucial to educate students, parents, and the general public about the dangers of exam rigging and the importance of fair play. These campaigns should highlight the ethical implications of cheating and the long-term consequences of compromising the integrity of the system.
6. Independent Oversight: An independent body should be established to oversee the conduct of examinations and investigate allegations of corruption. This body should have the authority to conduct audits, investigate complaints, and recommend corrective measures.
7. Transparency and Accountability: The examination process should be made more transparent and accountable. This includes publishing detailed information about the examination schedule, question paper design, marking scheme, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
8. Collaboration with Law Enforcement: The authorities need to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in exam rigging. This includes sharing information, coordinating investigations, and ensuring swift and effective prosecution.
9. Focus on Ethical Education: The education system should emphasize ethical values and promote a culture of integrity. This includes incorporating lessons on honesty, fairness, and the importance of hard work.
10. Empowering Students: Students should be empowered to report any suspicious activity or instances of cheating. This includes providing safe and confidential channels for reporting concerns and ensuring that their reports are taken seriously.

The NEET Scandal 2024 is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the systemic corruption that has plagued Indian examinations for far too long. It’s time for a collective effort to restore the integrity of the system, ensure a level playing field for all students, and safeguard the future of India’s youth.