NEET, UGC-NET fiasco: What India can learn from China's clean up of gaokao exams

This year, over 13 million teenagers across China undertook the gaokao, the college entrance exam that spans two to four days, depending on subjects. The gaokao is renowned for its intensity and its potential to shape students’ futures significantly.

Origins and evolution of Gaokao

According to Xinhua, China’s first unified matriculation exam was held in 1952. The Cultural Revolution led to a decade-long suspension of the gaokao, significantly diminishing educational quality and leading to a shortage of skilled professionals. Deng Xiaoping reinstated the gaokao in 1977, introducing a merit-based system that fueled China’s economic reforms. From 1977 to 2021, the gaokao enabled about 140 million students to enter higher education, becoming a cornerstone of China’s economic growth.

Unfair means were rampant at gaokao

A report from China Daily revealed that in June 2015, a journalist from Southern Metropolis Daily in Guangzhou went undercover to expose a gang in Jiangxi province that was orchestrating the gaokao scam, using impostors to take the exam on behalf of other candidates.

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The journalist who blew the whistle on the scam recommended implementing more stringent technological safeguards to prevent cheating. While technology can enhance the verification process, gangs like the one in Jiangxi often evade high-tech measures. Therefore, it was crucial to stop gang members from colluding with officials who control the exam and admission processes, as these officials’ involvement is essential for fake candidates to secure admit cards. Additionally, strict scrutiny by exam supervisors is necessary to ensure that impostors cannot gain entry to the exam halls.

In 2014, authorities in Henan province uncovered that 127 candidates had hired others to take the gaokao for them. The investigation revealed that a criminal agency had bribed some exam supervisors and employed college students from Wuhan, Hubei, to take the exam for Henan candidates. This incident highlighted that preventing gaokao cheating hinges more on vigilance over individuals than on advanced technology.

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How China continues to clean up gaokao

The Gaokao, China’s National College Entrance Examination is distinguished by its stringent anti-corruption measures and commitment to fairness. Recognising the exam’s significance while most students prepare rigorously some might resort to dishonest methods to secure high scores.

Key to its integrity are advanced technologies such as biometric verification and surveillance systems. Students must undergo biometric checks, including fingerprint and facial recognition, before entering the exam hall, effectively preventing impersonation. Surveillance cameras are strategically placed throughout the centres, actively monitoring for any signs of cheating. Additionally, some centres employ electronic jammers to block unauthorised signals, thwarting the use of electronic devices for cheating.

The security of the exam papers is rigorously maintained with strict protocols in place. Exam papers are considered state secrets and are transported under police escort with high-tech security measures like facial recognition, smart security doors and drones in place to prevent fraud ensuring a level playing field.

These papers remain sealed and tamper-proof until opened in front of students at the start of the exam. The penalties for cheating are severe, with offenders, including students, parents and staff, facing bans on retaking the exam, criminal charges and substantial fines, acting as a strong deterrent against corruption.

The Gaokao’s administration is also robust, with trained invigilators who are vigilant in maintaining exam integrity. Invigilators are responsible for preventing cheating and students are assigned seats randomly on exam day to avoid any pre-planned collusion. This random seating ensures that students cannot arrange to sit near accomplices.

The grading process is designed to be transparent and fair with multiple review stages to ensure accuracy and impartiality. Detailed guidelines for students and invigilators help minimise misunderstandings and ensure adherence to rules. A transparent grievance redressal system allows students to appeal against perceived grading errors or unfairness, upholding trust in the examination process.

Public education campaigns emphasise the importance of integrity, highlighting the severe consequences of cheating, thereby promoting a culture of honesty. These comprehensive measures have created a robust framework for the Gaokao, significantly reducing corruption risks and ensuring a fair examination process.

Lessons for India

India could benefit from the gaokao’s approach to exam integrity by adopting advanced technologies, stringent security measures and severe penalties for cheating. Promoting transparency, fairness and accountability through thorough training for invigilators and effective grievance mechanisms can enhance the credibility of India’s entrance exams. Public campaigns emphasising honesty in exams could further cultivate a culture of integrity among students and parents.