NEET Re-Exam Amidst Paper Leak Controversy: A Closer Look at China's Gaokao Security Measures
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is set for a re-examination on Sunday, weeks after the original test was cancelled due to alleged paper leaks. The incident has raised questions about exam security in India. Meanwhile, China recently concluded its own high-stakes college entrance exam, the Gaokao, which was taken by over 1.3 crore students.
The Chinese Embassy in India posted on social media platform X, stating that the Gaokao is notable for its fairness and strict regulation. The exam has been conducted since 1952, with a hiatus during the Cultural Revolution (1966-76). It comprises three compulsory subjects—English, Mandarin, and Mathematics—along with optional science and social science subjects. The test spans three to four days, varying by region.
Security protocols for the Gaokao are extensive. According to reports from Chinese state media and the South China Morning Post, question papers are drafted under tight security in designated prisons. Selected teachers are isolated in remote military facilities or prisons for months before the exam, under strict supervision and without internet access. They can only contact families via landline telephones. After the exam, they are released.
Printing and transportation of papers are heavily guarded, with security measures exceeding those for banks. In 2022, more than 3 million police officers were deployed nationwide for exam security. Additionally, private businesses participate by offering free taxi rides, meals, and accommodations to candidates on exam days.
To prevent cheating, students in Liaoning province must pass through intelligent security gates that detect mobile phones, smartwatches, smart glasses, and other devices. Teachers follow up with handheld metal detectors if alarms are triggered. A high school principal noted that cheating technologies evolve annually, prompting stricter screening each year.
While the Gaokao system is not infallible, Chinese authorities continue to refine measures to maintain fairness. The NEET re-exam in India also incorporates enhanced security, with the National Testing Agency ensuring quick processing and vigilance.
