India's CJP protests: Why tech alone won't stop exam paper leaks

What the report says

BBC World News reports that India’s debate over exam security has intensified after nationwide protests over alleged leaks in the NEET medical entrance test, one of the country’s most competitive exams. According to the BBC, the controversy led to the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while protesters and families blamed the scandal for more than 20 student suicides. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed an expert task force led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to propose changes to the National Testing Agency, including a possible shift to computer-based testing.

The BBC says the Supreme Court, while welcoming reform efforts, warned that technology alone would not prevent leaks. The article contrasts alleged breaches in 2024 and 2026: one reportedly occurred after printed papers entered the distribution chain, while the other was alleged to have originated inside the exam-setting system before printing or transport began. Prof V Kamakoti of IIT Madras, a task force member, told the BBC that trust depends heavily on question setters and invigilators, even if digital systems can reduce risks in printing, storage and delivery.

Experts cited by the BBC said computer-based testing could improve security through measures such as isolated networks, system stress-testing and surveillance tools. But scaling it for NEET remains difficult: Kamakoti said India can currently host about 300,000 candidates in one digital session, compared with roughly 2.2 million NEET test-takers.

The report also highlights wider concerns. Dr Debananda Misra of IIT Delhi told the BBC that computer testing is not a “silver bullet,” because malpractice is driven by intense competition for scarce, subsidised medical college seats. He also warned that technical glitches and unequal access to digital practice could disadvantage some candidates.