Omar Abdullah calls for reforms to make examination system foolproof
The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister wants secure, technology-driven assessments to ensure merit remains the primary criterion for student selection.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday called for comprehensive reforms to the examination system in the Union Territory to ensure assessments are secure, transparent and technology-driven. According to The Tribune, Abdullah chaired a meeting of the High-Powered Task Force (HPTF) on Examination Reforms at the Civil Secretariat to discuss making the process foolproof and merit-based.
The Chief Minister noted that the need for these changes became clear after the cancellation and re-examination of NEET-UG, which caused stress for lakhs of aspirants. He observed that while irregularities in decentralised systems were often regional, centralised examinations mean a paper leak can impact candidates across the country.
Abdullah suggested a gradual move toward computer-based testing, noting that students must become familiar with the technology first. He also proposed including school board performance in competitive entrance frameworks to reduce the heavy reliance on single entrance exams.
To ensure fairness, the Chief Minister stated that a mechanism must be developed so students from different boards, such as JKBOSE, CBSE and ICSE, are not disadvantaged. He also highlighted the need for more transparency in interview and viva-voce components to prevent the manipulation of marks.
The meeting reviewed security arrangements for NEET-UG 2026, including CCTV monitoring and police-escorted movement of materials. It also looked at reforms in the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB).