NEET, UGC NET paper leak: 7 ways social media has compromised the sanctity of exams
TOI Education
Jun 26, 2024
NEET 2024, UGC NET and social media
Highlighting the recent paper leaks in NEET 2024 and UGC NET 2024, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan pointed to Telegram as a facilitator. Telegram's features, designed for easy file sharing of large documents, make it ideal for distributing leaked exam papers, similar to how it's used for sharing pirated content.
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Easy Distribution of Leaks in NEET UGC NET case
Similar to how pirated films and books are readily shared, platforms with large file transfer capabilities, like Telegram, become prime spots for distributing leaked exam papers. This ease of sharing undermines exam security and creates an unfair advantage.
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Sharing Exam Content
Platforms like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Telegram groups facilitate easy sharing of exam questions, answers, or leaked papers. Students can take pictures during exams or memorize details beforehand to share with others.
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Collaborative Cheating
Social media allows for real-time communication during exams. Students on group chats can discuss questions, collectively solve problems, or even outsource answers to others online.
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Impersonation and Proxy Exams
Platforms with anonymous features like Telegram can be misused for impersonation. A student might pay someone else to take their exam online, potentially using video chat to mimic their appearance.
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Spreading Misinformation and Rumors
Unverified information about exams can spread like wildfire on social media. Rumors about question leaks, format changes, or difficulty levels can cause panic and affect student performance.
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Black Markets and Question Banks
Social media platforms can be breeding grounds for illegal activities. Groups or channels might offer pre-prepared answers, question banks containing real exam content, or even sell hacked access to exam portals.
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Facilitating Impersonation
Social media profiles can be used to create fake identities. Someone might create a profile mimicking a teacher or exam official to spread misinformation or gain unauthorized access to exam information.
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Long term effect on cheating culture
The constant exposure to discussions about cheating on social media, even if not actively participating, can normalize the act itself. Seeing others brag about getting away with cheating or easily finding resources online can desensitize students to the seriousness of academic integrity.
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