New Delhi: India’s competitive examination system is facing a serious trust deficit, with 67% of respondents in the latest Mood of the Nation (MOTN) survey saying they have little or no confidence in the fairness of entrance and government recruitment examinations.
According to the survey, 27% said they had “not much” confidence, while 40% said they had “no” confidence. Only 23% expressed confidence, with 14% reporting “a great deal” and 9% a “fair amount” of confidence.
Survey shows deep concern
The August 2026 MOTN survey was conducted by CVoter for the India Today Group.
It included 25,184 people directly surveyed between July 1 and August 25. Another 91,795 interviews conducted over the previous six months through CVoter’s regular tracking were also used for the findings.
The results come after a year marked by examination cancellations, re-tests, technical problems, alleged paper leaks and concerns over evaluation.
Major exams faced repeated problems
Several major examinations have faced disruptions this year.
NEET-UG 2026 was cancelled and conducted again, affecting more than 22 lakh candidates who had appeared for the original examination. UGC-NET and AIAPGET also saw papers or centres affected by errors and other problems.
Recruitment examinations in states have faced similar challenges, with several tests being cancelled amid allegations of irregularities.
Evaluation issues add to concerns
The examination trust issue has extended beyond paper leaks and cancellations.
More than 17 lakh students appeared for the CBSE Class 12 examinations this year. The introduction of On-Screen Marking was followed by complaints over evaluation and marks.
More than 1.6 lakh candidates sought verification or re-evaluation, covering over 3.8 lakh answer books.
The episode highlighted how technical or evaluation problems can affect students even when an examination itself is not cancelled.
Government steps up reforms
The Centre has responded to examination-related controversies through investigations, re-tests, security measures and reform committees.
Measures including biometric authentication, AI-enabled CCTV surveillance and tighter monitoring at examination centres have been introduced.
The government has also proposed changes to strengthen laws dealing with unfair practices in public examinations.
A new examination reforms task force headed by Nandan Nilekani was announced in July and is expected to recommend further changes.
The bigger challenge is rebuilding trust
The MOTN findings point to a concern that goes beyond any single examination agency.
For millions of students, competitive examinations determine access to higher education and government employment. When candidates begin questioning the fairness of the process itself, the impact can extend far beyond an individual test.
The challenge for authorities is therefore not only to investigate failures after they occur, but to build an examination system that students can trust before they enter the examination hall. #MOTN #India #Examinations #Education #NEET #GovernmentJobs #ExamReforms
