JNU Gives Go-ahead to Online Entrance Exam Despite Protests

JNU administration's pet project – the JNU Online Entrance Exam (JNUEE) – is all set to take off in May 2019. The project by the administration has been termed “undemocratic”, and has been confronted with protests by the students and the teachers alike.

The protesting students have said that the move to conduct online exams is set to benefit private vendors at the cost of the future of thousands of aspirants.

In a letter dated December 10, 2018, the JNU administration side-lined all the opposition, and declared that the entrance examination will take place online. It has also specified that the test will consist of multiple choice questions (MCQs). This format has been formalised for not just masters-level programmes at the university, but also for research-intensive degrees like M Phil and PhD.

With the question of MCQs and independent evaluation looming large, the issue of accessibility is likely to be a big concern for the aspiring students. Factors such as internet availability and lack of basic computer skills may lead to the denial of a level-playing field for many.

Currently, the entrance exam takes place across multiple centres nationally, covering over 50 cities.

During the protests by the students of the varsity, a key question raised was who will be the chosen vendor to conduct the online entrance exam. The letter released by JNU administration clarifies that the contract will be given to the National Testing Agency (NTA). Questions have been raised over the credibility of the agency post the fiascos during the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) and National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examinations.

The JNU administration is currently drawing flak from multiple quarters over the decision to involve private vendors in the process of the examination.

The administration has reportedly stated that an expert panel will be constituted, comprising external experts who will be involved in drafting the question paper. The involvement of the private vendors and outside experts is likely to open up a possibility of paper leaks, and other malpractices.

Speaking to Newsclick, JNUSU President N Sai Balaji said, “This is being done in an attempt to destroy the university. The NTA, as an agency, has lost its credibility. They do not have the capacity to conduct the examinations, and are likely to go ahead, and outsource the process to other private vendors.”

He added, “We have protested the move from the beginning, as the administration hastily wanted to give a go ahead to the move, overlooking the protocol of the university.”

The JNUSU has alleged that the teachers are being literally blackmailed to succumb to the diktats of the VC. The administration has also demanded the answer keys months before the exams, which is a violation of JNU’s protocol to guard against leaks and compromises.

Students are claiming that the inclusionary nature of the university space is likely to bear serious damage due to the inordinate haste of the administration. Further, the JNUSU also asserted that if needed, it will be challenging this decision in the court.