Introduction
Recent government actions regarding examination irregularities underscore a significant issue in India's educational and public recruitment system.
Lakhs of students spend their best years in coaching classes focused on rote learning, a symptom of a broader problem where the demand-supply gap disproportionately affects disadvantaged groups.
Current Crisis Of Examination Malpractices
The government recently canceled one examination, postponed two others, and removed the head of the examination agency.
The controversy over the NEET UG 2024 results has exacerbated student insecurities.
A government-appointed committee is addressing these issues, highlighting the need for a foolproof examination system.
The increasing diversity among exam-takers reflects the growth of the aspirational class, which is crucial for democracy. However, malpractices and system leaks lead to frustration and loss of trust among students.
Hyper Competition
The hyper-competitive nature of exams is driven by a shortage of opportunities in education and employment.
This year, 24 lakh students competed for just over 1 lakh undergraduate medical seats.
Society's irrational premium on medical, engineering courses, and government jobs contributes to this issue.
The stagnation of government job numbers and the lack of affordable, quality educational institutions exacerbate the problem.
A study by Azim Premji University highlighted a 42.3% unemployment rate among graduates under 25 in 2021-22, reflecting a significant gap in job opportunities.
Impact on Disadvantaged Groups
The demand-supply gap hits disadvantaged groups—caste, class, gender, geography—the hardest.
Many students spend years in coaching centers that only teach rote learning techniques, which do not foster genuine understanding or skill development.
This environment breeds job and examination mafias, further complicating the situation.
Long-Term Solutions
India's young population presents an opportunity for a demographic dividend, but this potential will only be realized if these individuals are productively employed.
Addressing the examination system's flaws requires creating more job opportunities, expanding educational access, and enhancing skill development.
Incremental measures won't suffice; comprehensive reforms are necessary.
The government must ensure that historical disadvantages are not exacerbated, listening to diverse voices, including those in dissent.
The Opposition must also contribute constructively rather than engaging in disruption.
Conclusion
The Examination Malpractices are a symptom of a larger issue in India's educational and employment landscape.
Comprehensive reforms are necessary to create more opportunities and ensure that the aspirational class is not left behind.
The government must take a holistic approach, considering the diverse needs and challenges faced by the youth.
Addressing these issues which came out of the recent NEET UG 2024 Crisis is crucial for building a robust and equitable system that can harness the full potential of India's demographic dividend.
Note: In this CAPF essay, the world limit has been crossed to give you more information, you can take relevant portions as per your need. Further, we have given subheadings for your reference. When you write in the UPSC exam, you don't need to do that.
Importance for UPSC and Competitive Exams
This topic is vital for UPSC CSE, UPSC CAPF, Assistant Commandant, Essay Writing, Current Affairs, NDA, CDS, SSB Interview, AFCAT, IAS, IB ACIO, and other competitive exams.
Understanding the underlying issues of examination irregularities and the broader socio-economic context provides a comprehensive perspective necessary for addressing questions related to educational policy, employment opportunities, and social equity.
This knowledge is crucial for crafting well-informed essays and responses in various competitive exams, reflecting an awareness of current challenges and potential solutions.
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