Computer-based recruitment exams prone to cheating due to lack of uniform rules

Jaipur: In the absence of an effective and uniform protocol, the computer-based recruitment exams in the state are vulnerable to cheating. The exam conducting bodies like Rajasthan Public Service Commission, Rajasthan Staff Selection Board, Technical Universities in Kota, and Bikaner, along with half a dozen other independent state-run agencies broadly follow the rules framed in 2017.
The modus operandi used in recent cheating cases like JVVNL and REET exams is based on evolving technology, which needs hi-tech logistics by these agencies to avert cheating.
“The root cause of every online cheating is an internet connection. Identifying the systems undergoing online exams connected with the internet is not a big task. Still, the concerned agencies have not been successful in identifying these tech tools used in cheating,” said Mukesh Choudhary, cybercrime consultant to Jaipur Police Commissionerate.
Recalling some of the common loopholes in the computer-based exams repeatedly surfacing before him, “In Rajasthan Police Constable Exam, while assisting the investigating agency, it was found that systems of absent candidates were being operated for cheating. Secondly, in another exam, we figured out that a system which was not involved in the online exam was connected to the exam network and was used for cheating.”
During the REET exam, the network was banned across the state, but the concerned authorities failed to realise that Bluetooth devices could be used to compromise the exam system. “In many cases, the cheating racket took the broadband connection in a house near the exam centre. They installed wireless routers to increase the range and got it connected with either the targeted system or systems to facilitate cheating,” said Choudhary.
The tendering process for computer-based exams has basic terms and conditions leaving several loopholes. “Since none of the government agencies has enough computers to conduct exams, they naturally rely on private players/agencies which have their own set of educational institutes for the said purpose,” said Puneet Sharma, an education expert.
Special Operations Group (SOG) which is at the forefront of exposing the online cheating rackets is of the opinion that it is required to plug the loopholes in online exams. “Many exam conducting bodies come to us for guidance in conducting error-free exams and we share the SOP which have been successful,” said Ashok Rathore, ADGP (SOG and ATS.
The state government formed a committee in January to look into ways to conduct safe exams and had recommended that since technology is fast evolving a permanent body or committee should devise rules for the same.