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Artificial intelligence and blockchain technology may be just part of a holistic approach to controlling exam leaks
Even before the 18th Lok Sabha convened and the new government took office, a massive controversy erupted over two major entrance exams conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA): the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a standardized exam conducted for students seeking admission to undergraduate medical (MBBS/BDS) and some postgraduate (MD/MS) courses in both public and private medical colleges, and the UGC-NET (NET) or National Eligibility Test that determines the eligibility of Indian citizens for assistant professor and junior research positions in universities and colleges across the country. The UGC-NET also serves as a qualifying test for those seeking admission to doctoral programs. While the NEET-UG exam, held on May 5, was marred by allegations of irregularities, including allegations of discretionary marking, cheating and impersonation, the NET exam held on June 18 was cancelled the next day as there were reports of the test being leaked 48 hours before the exam and being sold on the dark web and encrypted social media platforms.
The impasse in both these exams has caused serious worries and disappointments to hundreds of thousands of deserving candidates and their parents. The NTA, despite its autonomous functioning for conducting entrance examinations for higher educational institutions, is now under a heavy cloud despite the removal of its chief by the Centre. A seven-member high-level expert committee under K Radhakrishnan, former chairman of ISRO and Chairman Board of Governors, IIT Kanpur was set up by the Centre to “provide recommendations on reforming the examination process mechanism, improving data security protocols and the structure and functioning of the NTA”. A CBI investigation is also underway. Both could offer guidance for the future path. However, it may take a long time for the system to regain the trust of the youth.
Technology is now an important part of the examination ecosystem and the NTA has successfully conducted many exams in India since its inception in 2017, including the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT). While the NEET-UG was conducted as a single-session paper-based exam in the Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) format, NET, which has been computer-based since 2018, reverted to the paper-based OMR mode this year. Overall, the exams conducted by the NTA have been an improvement over the past, although shortcomings such as technical glitches, limited exam windows, standardization challenges and safety issues related to last-mile transportation and storage remained a concern.
The nefarious elements that leak questionnaires predate the use of technology. They have now found new avenues such as the widespread use of the darknet and social media platforms by criminal organizations and vested interests. While the darknet has often been cited as a source of questionnaire leaks in India, even in the case of NET, it would be an oversimplification to place the blame entirely on this avenue. The darknet is simply a tool that can be used to distribute leaked information more efficiently. It does not create the initial breach or the demand for leaked questionnaires. Focusing on the darknet as the culprit diverts attention from addressing the underlying systemic issues. Theories that talk about the NTA portal being hacked are similarly shortsighted.
To effectively combat exam leaks, a holistic approach is needed. This should include strengthening anti-corruption measures, improving security protocols, reforming the education system to reduce exam pressure, and addressing socioeconomic disparities that fuel unfair means of application. The Radhakrishnan Committee should explore a comprehensive, multi-layered approach that incorporates cutting-edge technologies to address the integrity of the examination system. Some of these could be: One, implementing a blockchain-based question paper database that uses blockchain technology to store and manage question papers that would enable tamper-proof storage and create a verifiable trail of question paper access. Two, ensuring secure biometric authentication that includes fingerprints, facial recognition, retina scans, and vitality detection to prevent spoofing attempts. Three, adopting adaptive testing technology to reduce the risk of question paper leaks as each candidate receives a unique set of questions. Four, implement a decentralized exam distribution system that uses IT to distribute exams, reducing dependence on central servers and minimizing the impact of potential DDoS cyber attacks. Five, introduce AI-based answer validation that will enable AI algorithms to detect patterns indicative of cheating or collusion among candidates. Six, introduce blockchain-based results publishing that will ensure transparency and prevent unauthorized changes.
Regaining the trust of the exam ecosystem is the need of the hour and the technology and protocols in place will help in this direction.
The author, a defense and cybersecurity analyst, is a former national manager at General Dynamics