A fresh controversy is brewing around the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) likely to be filed over concerns related to the fairness of its examination system. The issue centres on allegations that different sets of question papers varied significantly in difficulty, potentially disadvantaging students based on chance rather than merit.
Educator Prashant Kirad has emerged as a prominent voice raising these concerns. He argues that wide disparities in question paper difficulty amount to academic discrimination and undermine the credibility of standardised examinations. While multiple paper sets are traditionally used to curb cheating, critics say that inadequate standardisation defeats the purpose of a fair assessment process.
Concerns Over Unequal Difficulty Levels
According to Kirad, the issue first became apparent during the Class 10 Mathematics examination, where students reported noticeable differences in difficulty across various paper sets. Some papers were described as moderate, while others reportedly required advanced conceptual understanding similar to competitive examinations such as JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
The controversy resurfaced during the Class 12 Physics examination, further intensifying the debate. Kirad claimed that students who had prepared thoroughly were unfairly penalised if they happened to receive a more difficult paper set.
In a video circulating on social media, Kirad stated that repeated instances of uneven question paper difficulty indicate a systemic problem. He noted that months of preparation could become uncertain if exam difficulty varies unpredictably across different sets.
Questioning the Multiple-Set System
The protest also challenges the continued use of multiple question paper sets without rigorous difficulty moderation. Kirad questioned the necessity of producing numerous sets if they are not properly balanced, adding that such wide disparities had not been seen on this scale in previous years.
Education experts note that while multiple sets are useful in preventing malpractice, they must be calibrated using robust statistical and pedagogical methods to ensure fairness for all students.
Demand for Remedial Measures
Kirad has urged CBSE to take corrective steps, including issuing official clarifications and considering grace marks for students who received comparatively tougher question papers. He suggested either awarding compensatory marks or adopting more lenient evaluation standards for affected candidates.
Students and Parents React
The issue has resonated strongly with students and parents, many of whom have expressed concerns about the reliability and transparency of the examination process. Social media platforms have seen growing calls for greater openness in question paper setting, including suggestions that difficulty analysis be published after examinations.
As discussions intensify, the potential PIL could bring renewed scrutiny to CBSE’s examination practices and reignite the broader debate on fairness in India’s standardised testing system.
