The easy way out!

Exam malpractice

Copying is perhaps as old as the examination system itself. A section of students has always devised different ways to get around the foolproof system that the examiners develop.

Although most colleges in the City claim they have enforced drastic measures to clamp down on students who resort to such tactics, cases of copying are reported every year. In a case recently, a boy was caught copying during an all-India entrance exam using a high-end gadget.

Metrolife asked college managements about the measures that have been taken to control and regulate malpractices among students, both at the pre-university and degree level. While some girls choose to attend exams with notes scribbled all over their printed dupattas, on churidaars, on their thighs, tissue papers and palms, the boys tuck bits of paper into folded shirt sleeves and socks and write on the soles of their shoes.

The college managements say that they spare no effort in ensuring that the students are checked and warned about the consequences of malpractices before they enter the examination hall. And if any student is found copying,  they are barred from writing the exam.

Sr Juanita, principal of Mount Carmel Degree College, says students are told about the consequences of malpractices and are thoroughly checked, “Our teachers are vigilant when it comes to regulating the students. There is no compromise on discipline and a sense of fear is instilled in the students. We haven’t had any cases of copying so far,” she says.

A Nagarathna, principal of Indian Academy Degree College, says youngsters today are competitive and know that if they don’t get their basics right, then their placement and standing in the market would be zilch.

“Also the semester system, where internal assessment amounts to more than 50 per cent of the total marks, has forced students to study and earn their marks. Regular class tests have made a difference. So, students think twice before they copy,” she says.   
Students confess that they avoid copying as much as they can.

They say that they just can’t face the consequences thereafter. Harsh, a management student with Jain College, feels it’s shameful to copy.

He has seen his classmates strike deals and chart out the course of action before the examinations begin.

“Answer sheets are exchanged and clues are softly given when the invigilator walks away. I think it’s a bad habit and won’t take one too far,” he says.

Manjunath Kudremath, a final semester student of MBA, Indian Academy School Of Management Studies, says, “Copying can be a life-saver as well as a formidable experience .

Copying in exams has always been a part of academic life. Bringing in paper chits, scribbling notes on the compass box, peeping into the neighbour’s paper and even swapping papers have always happened. We, as students, have been there and seen it all,” says Manjunath.

“The copying phenomenon has always been a challenge and perhaps, will be, until some effective system is put in place,” he adds.

Sudha, a student counsellor, says that students resort to copying because of lack of confidence and low self- esteem. “They must be counselled and gently cajoled out of it, else the blame game and accusations could lead to depression as well,” she sums up.