Trust, Not Technology, Biggest Hurdle in Curbing Exam Leaks: IIT Madras Director
The biggest challenge facing the high-powered task force tasked with recommending reforms to prevent exam leaks is 'trust', according to V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras.
Professor Kamakoti, one of six domain experts on a multidisciplinary panel reforming the National Testing Agency (NTA) after the NEET paper leak controversy, stressed that accountable individuals and clear processes are essential.
'The only challenge is trust. We need teachers who we can trust, who will set the question paper and keep quiet,' he said on Monday.
The NEET-UG paper leak controversy stemmed from allegations that question papers were leaked by paper setters and translators. Kamakoti emphasized that every person and process in the exam hierarchy—from question generation to centre administration—must be directly accountable through a clear organisational structure.
'The second NEET exam happened without any issues. That means the system has worked. However, trust is important for an entrance exam at this scale. We need to bring out clear processes. It is not that they don’t exist, but we have to relook at it and fine tune,' he added.
On the role of artificial intelligence, Kamakoti cautioned against over-reliance on automation. 'I do not think AI can independently set a question paper. AI may be able to generate questions, but someone still has to look at them and review them.'
'NEET is very inclusive. The exam is conducted in 12 languages. Somebody has to translate it and also verify the translations. AI can certainly assist with translation, but someone must carefully examine them,' he said.
The high-level panel is expected to release a report with recommendations to strengthen the NTA.
