It was really disappointing reading the news about the All India Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Entrance Test (AIPMT) for 2015-16 scrapped because of the wrong actions of a group of 44 students, doctors and MBBS students from the states of Bihar, Rajasthan and Haryana. It was investigated that these students managed to use mobile devices hidden in their specially designed vests for cheating. This is a really serious matter since the hardworking students will be annoyed and worried by such conduct. This plays havoc with the exam sessions and the careers of meritorious students. These students or doctors are actually dishonest people, whose illegal actions are questioning the sanctity of the tests and courses.
Phones and IT gadgets have become a real game-changer. It is opening new doors to exam malpractices. Though these devices are already banned from exam halls, interestingly they still find their way to the hall. Such cheaters are now using small ear pieces or devices on spectacles, shoes or inside their shirts as it is easy to hide from the examiners due to its small size.
So the examination bodies need to raise their vigilance level and set up best practices to deal with cheating during exams without any compromise. A good idea is to install mobile jammers just before the exam date as they block the signals. More importantly, schools should teach and make the students aware of the exam rules well enough so that fewer students cheat. Lastly, we should all work hard to restore the value of honesty, hard work and fear of God in children and do justice by genuine students who are burning the midnight oil.
— The reader is a business owner living in Sharjah
