Cheating in exams

In Pakistan, education has faced a monumental neglect, and the worst manifestation of it is the persistent use of unfair means in exams. The malady of cheating is prevalent at all levels. It is a sad state of affairs. Off and on, concerned quarters raise their voice so as to set things right. The Sindh High Court the other day told education boards of the province to devise a mechanism to curb cheating in exams. Justice Salahuddin Panhwar told them to take into account the suggestions made by experts while hearing a case relating to cheating in exams. The judge expressed annoyance at the failure to curb the use of unfair means in exams. He said it was the fundamental right of every citizen to get quality education under Article 25 of the Constitution, and observed that in the present times, it had become difficult to survive without higher education.

However, the problem of cheating in exams cannot be solved in isolation. It needs a holistic approach. Even laborious students sometimes take to cheating in exams when they see that in our society connections and money count more than merit. When young people are confronted with this ugly reality they are compelled to think that even degrees earned by burning the proverbial midnight oil are mere pieces of worthless paper, and occupy a very distant second position as compared with the power of money and connections. Even a cursory look at the education scenario in the country shows in bold relief factors responsible for the ailing education system. It seems that education has become a business, and a very profitable one at that. One can safely say that people who are incapable of doing anything can open educational institutions. Perhaps, no qualification is needed for engaging in this profession. Teachers try to avoid work. Students rely on cheating. So good students don’t let their schooling interfere with their education. Everything has its limit – iron ore cannot be educated into gold. 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 17^th, 2019.

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