The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) is set to implement a revolutionary system of colour-coded examination papers, aimed at combating rampant cheating in competitive exams. This initiative follows the approval of the Uttar Pradesh Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Ordinance 2024 by the state government on 30 June. The ordinance, which was formally notified on 1 July, introduces strict penalties for examination malpractices, including life imprisonment and fines of up to Rs 1 crore for those involved in paper leaks and other fraudulent activities.
In a bid to ensure the integrity of its examination process, the UPPSC has also amended the Uttar Pradesh State Public Service Commission (Regulation of Procedure) Act.This amendment mandates the creation of four distinct sets of question papers for each public service examination. The intention behind this change is to deter cheating and uphold the credibility of the recruitment process.
Enhanced Security Measures
According to media reports, the new system will involve examiners from various centres preparing question papers that will be stored in sealed envelopes. These envelopes will be closely monitored under the supervision of the Controller of Examinations. Out of the four prepared sets, two will be selected for printing without any prior inspection, ensuring that the integrity of the papers remains intact.
The moderation process involves assessing the difficulty levels of the papers. The moderators will receive the sealed envelopes, inspect them, and subsequently seal them in separate packets, devoid of any identifying marks. This layer of security is crucial in preventing any potential leaks before the exams take place.
Colour-Coded Printing
The selected sets of question papers will be sent to two different printing presses, where they will be produced in various colours and assigned secret codes. The printing presses will apply their seals before distributing the coloured papers to examination centres, further enhancing the security of the examination process.
This reform is a response to recent controversies surrounding paper leaks in significant exams, such as the UGC-NET, NEET-UG, and the UP Police Constable qualifying examination. In the UP Police Constable case, a 900-page chargesheet was filed against 18 individuals, including the alleged mastermind behind the scandal, Ravi Attri.
Building Trust Through Innovation
The introduction of colour-coded exam papers by the UPPSC represents a significant step towards ensuring transparency and fairness in the competitive examination process. By employing these rigorous measures, the commission hopes to build public trust and mitigate the risk of malpractices that have plagued examinations in the past. This initiative, if successful, could set a precedent for other states and examination bodies in India, reinforcing the need for innovative solutions to uphold the integrity of educational assessments.
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