Evaluation is no child's play

The political controversies and agitations triggered across the country by the NEET question paper leak and flaws in the conduct of the UGC-NET examination have yet to subside. In Kerala, irregularities in Public Service Commission examinations created a massive uproar, and investigations into the matter are ongoing. The general public had hoped that these incidents would help open the eyes of examination authorities. However, some officials have once again proved that they learn nothing from such incidents and remain incapable of reform, no matter how much they are chastised.

Out of 292 students who applied for revaluation across various semesters of the LLB examinations conducted by Kerala University this year, 231 received higher marks. This makes it clear that there was a grave lapse in the initial evaluation.
Following allegations that a student who had written a correct answer spanning one-and-a-half pages was awarded zero marks in the initial evaluation, student organisations launched protests demanding action against the teachers responsible. It was in this wake that Vice Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummal sought the mark details of all students whose marks increased following revaluation. Among the 44 students who applied for revaluation of the fifth-semester examination, the marks of all 44 changed. According to the report submitted by the Controller of Examinations to the Vice Chancellor, marks increased for 231 of the 292 students who applied for revaluation across various semesters. The fact that the marks of most applicants changed is no minor matter. The university, too, is viewing the issue with utmost seriousness. Reports indicate that the difference in marks in some answer scripts ranges from 10 per cent to 50 per cent.

Under university regulations, if there is a difference of more than 20 per cent between the marks awarded in the initial evaluation and those awarded in revaluation, action is to be taken against the teachers who conducted the initial evaluation. However, students say no action has been taken despite a report on the matter being submitted to the Syndicate. As the controversy intensified, the Vice Chancellor instructed that all answer scripts subjected to revaluation be urgently sealed and kept securely in the custody of the Controller of Examinations. Against the backdrop of the controversy, the university is preparing to introduce comprehensive changes to the conduct of LLB examinations. It has also decided to move everything from question paper distribution to evaluation to an online system. As in postgraduate and MBBS examinations, double valuation will also be introduced for LLB examinations. In addition, there is a possibility of allowing students to inspect and verify their own answer scripts.

The period when examination evaluation was conducted without flaws was a matter of pride for Kerala University. Examinations and evaluations were carried out with such diligence. Teachers today receive better facilities and higher salaries than they did then. The reason behind all these controversies is that many have lost their sense of dedication and responsibility. It has been a long time since many lost the desire to earn a place in students' hearts through teaching. Some have even come forward eagerly to dance to the tunes of political parties and centres of power. Excessive political influence, as in other spheres, has also affected the conduct and evaluation of examinations. Political interests must not stand in the way of identifying those responsible or shielding them in any manner. Everyone must recognise that this concerns the future of students. Firm action must be taken without fear or favour. The future of students is inextricably linked to the future of the nation itself.