Now 'high-power panel' to study examination process

New Delhi: After facing flak over question paper leak of Class 10 mathematics and Class 12 economics papers, the (HRD) Ministry has set up a "high-powered committee" to examine the process by which the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducts examinations.

The panel, which is being headed by former HRD secretary VS Oberoi, would also suggest measures to make the process "secure and foolproof by the use of technology". The panel has been asked to submit its report to the HRD Ministry by May 31. "The government had yesterday constituted a high powered committee, comprising experts, under chairmanship of VS Oberoi, ex-secretary, MHRD, to examine the process of conduct of CBSE exams and suggest measures to make it secure and foolproof through the use of technology," HRD's School Education Secretary Anil Swarup said in his tweet.

The decision, which has come amid criticism over the conduct of CBSE exams following reports of paper leaks, is seen as a face-saver move to maintain the credibility of the central agency.

According to one expert, the CBSE has earned a bad repute after series of paper leaks and the way it handled the matter. "At first, CBSE was not ready to accept that there were any paper leaks and when there was a hue and cry over the issue, the central board 'accepted' it," the academician said.

Suggesting that CBSE must bring back multiple question paper sets to check mass level paper leak, the academicians said, "The the panel must examine the decision as to how multiple question paper set was replaced with single question paper set." "Paper leaks not only discredit our examination system, but it also discourages students' morale," the expert said, adding that the government must bring in a foolproof system to prevent such instances in future.

Notably, the HRD Ministry decided not to hold re-test of Class 10 maths paper just not to affect the schedule of about 16 lakh students who have appeared for Class 10 examination. Earlier, School Education Secretary Swarup had said clearly said that if the reports do not have 'substantial findings,' there would be no re-examination of Class 10 Maths paper.

"Given the consequences of the impact of Class 12 results, the decision to re-conduct the Economics paper has been taken as students have to take admissions in different universities, technical courses, etc.," Swarup had said.

The HRD Ministry had last week announced the re-examination of the CBSE Class 12 economics paper on April 25, while it was announced on Tuesday that there would be no re-test for Class 10 mathematics, which was 'expected' to happen in Delhi-NCR region and Haryana in July.

Over two dozen have been arrested in the matter of paper leak from Delhi, Jharkhand, Bihar, etc. Over 45 people, including the administrators of the 10 WhatsApp

groups, have been grilled in connection with the CBSE paper leak case.