In
an article published by The Tribune on August 5, 2023, I contended that while
the NEET (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test) system is a valuable and
necessary reform, it still needs adjustments. The recent uproar over NEET-UG
2024 highlights the need for these improvements, focusing on the mismanagement
of the exam rather than questioning the system's validity. Currently, this
matter is under the scrutiny of the Supreme Court.
It
is crucial to recognize that an endeavor so significant for students and their
parents must be carried out with utmost precision and in a way that fosters
complete trust in the system. Incidents like those that occurred this year
undermine confidence and dishearten students.
The
introduction of NEET aimed to enhance transparency and promote merit-based
admissions. Previously, many private medical institutions followed opaque and
dishonest practices, with issues such as capitation fees corrupting the system.
Additionally, candidates had to take numerous entrance exams nationwide to
improve their chances of securing a spot in a medical college. NEET, a single
nationwide examination, was essential to rectify these problems.
It's
not surprising that this vital reform faced resistance. Although NEET was
initially proposed in 2010, its implementation was delayed due to perceived
issues with the initial notification. It wasn't until 2012 that the Medical
Council of India, in collaboration with the Union Government, issued a proper
notification. However, the exam wasn't conducted that year as students lacked
sufficient time to prepare. Just as it was set to begin the following year, the
Supreme Court intervened. A three-judge bench, in a 2:1 verdict, nullified the
notification. The decision was later reviewed and reversed, allowing NEET to
finally be implemented.
This
landmark ruling enabled a significant transformation of India's medical
admission system, allowing the NEET system to be established. Broader
consultations with stakeholders and state governments highlighted the necessity
of offering NEET in local languages alongside English to ensure fairness for
students from various regions. Policymakers anticipated that once NEET was
implemented, it would be refined and improved as needed.
Over
the years, NEET has largely operated without controversy. Against this
backdrop, the issues that have arisen this year are particularly unfortunate.
It is crucial to address these problems promptly. The National Testing Agency,
in collaboration with the Central Government, must take swift corrective
actions to restore confidence among all stakeholders. It is essential that
honesty, transparency, and accountability in the admission process are visibly
and tangibly reinstated.
Any
systemic issues requiring change should not be ignored. They need to be
addressed promptly and constructively.
A
frequently debated issue is whether an MCQ-based examination is the optimal
method for selecting medical students. This format has led to the proliferation
of private coaching academies that prepare students for the intense
competition. These academies are costly and mainly located in tier I and tier
II cities. Consequently, students from families unable to afford these high
fees miss out on crucial training. Urban students gain an unfair advantage over
their rural peers, who often lack access to such coaching. It is widely
believed that without attending these expensive academies, competing for
medical college admissions becomes exceedingly difficult. This situation leaves
many talented students from poor or rural backgrounds at a disadvantage.
Additionally,
students often neglect their Class XII board exams, as a 50% score is
sufficient to qualify for NEET. As a result, they don't take their Class XI and
XII studies seriously, missing out on the development of analytical and
scientific skills. I was shocked to hear from some students that many of their
peers join coaching academies and skip school classes. It seems some schools
are willing to certify these students as regular attendees, allowing them to
sit for the Class XII board exams.
Modifications
to the current system should be explored. NEET question papers could
incorporate questions based on state board syllabi, ensuring equal
opportunities for students from all regions. It is crucial to introduce
well-crafted MCQs that assess students' intellectual capabilities rather than
just their memorization skills. The focus should be on evaluating mental
ability, reasoning quality, depth of knowledge, and analytical thinking.
Including
a certain level of importance in the medical admission process to the Class XII
board exam scores could encourage students to adopt a more comprehensive
learning strategy. This adjustment might diminish the undue emphasis placed on
coaching institutes that primarily emphasize rote learning and mastering
multiple-choice questions.
Policymakers
should consider a hybrid system for undergraduate medical admissions,
allocating 50% weightage to the NEET score and the remaining weightage to the
Class XII board exam score or similar transparent performance criteria. This
approach might face fewer objections for state quota seats. However, due to
varying standards and evaluation methods among states, it may pose challenges
for all-India quota seats and Central institutes like AIIMS. Implementing a
system of equalization or normalization across education boards would be
crucial in such cases.
NEET
marked a critical advancement, but recent controversies have tarnished its
credibility. Immediate steps are imperative to regain public trust. It is
crucial to prevent politicization and ensure we do not regress to previous
practices. The future of our youth hangs in the balance.
(Views
are personal. Email: dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)
