Devanjana Mukherjee, Khabri Media
The recent crackdown by the Special Task Force is a testament to the relentless efforts to combat cheating in UPSSSC exams.
Pic: Social Media
In a significant development, the Special Task Force (STF) in Uttar Pradesh has apprehended ten individuals allegedly involved in a cheating racket during the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) exams.
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The accused were found using unfair means, including Bluetooth devices, during the Preliminary Eligibility Test organized by the state. Those arrested were identified as gang leaders Deepak Kumar Patel from Varanasi, Ajay Kumar Patel from Prayagraj, Dileep, Sujit Kumar, Pankaj Kumar, Jitendra Kumar Verma, Anurag Kumar, Ravindra Singh and Udayveer Singh. The exam hall in-charge at a centre in Varanasi was also arrested.
Device used for cheating (Pic: Social Media)
The modus operandi of such cheating rackets often involves sophisticated methods. These include leaking question papers, using electronic devices to access answers or external assistance, and employing impersonation or proxies to write exams on behalf of candidates. These practices erode the credibility of the examination system and disadvantage honest candidates who rely on their merit to succeed.
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STF sources said those arrested either used a hidden in-ear Bluetooth device for writing the exam or appeared as “solvers”. A solver is one who takes an exam in place of a genuine candidate using fake credentials in lieu of money. They recovered four in-ear Bluetooth devices, eight mobile phones and other items from the accused.
The implications of cheating in UPSSSC exams are far-reaching and detrimental to both the recruitment process and the broader society where consequences include wastage of resources, erosion of meritocracy, quality of government workforce, legal ramification, loss of trust, and so on.
Pic: Social Media
Addressing the issue of cheating in UPSSSC exams requires a multifaceted approach. Some of the measures that can be taken into consideration are strengthening security, leveraging technology, whistleblower mechanism, stringent legal action, transparency and accountability, public awareness, amongst others.
Cheating in UPSSSC exams, as seen in the recent STF operation, remains a significant challenge that undermines the integrity of the recruitment process and disadvantages honest candidates. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort involving stricter security measures, the use of technology, public awareness, and stringent legal action against wrongdoers.
