UGC-NET candidate Suparna Roy highlights impact of exam cancellations on Indian students

Indian students are crying foul over widespread rumours of exam cheating. Marred by allegations of document leaks and malpractices, the cancellation of entrance exams like the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the University Grants Commission’s National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) has left them in a quandary.

Speaking to EdexLive, an independent researcher and second-time UGC-NET candidate from Kolkata, Suparna Roy explains how the cancellation has impacted her. The UGC-NET test determines the eligibility of Indian nationals for the positions of ‘Assistant Professor’ and ‘Junior Research Fellow and Assistant Professor’ in Indian universities and colleges.

“As a keen observer of the educational landscape in India, I feel compelled to address the significant psychological impact of the ongoing cancellation of national tests such as UGC NET and NEET on students and researchers. Many people consider these exams to be important turning points in their academic and professional careers, so delaying or cancelling them affects not only the schedules of the participants but also their mental health,” Roy said.

“To pass these tests, students and academics have devoted months, if not years, to intense study. Planning and administering these tests is associated with great stress and anxiety. Students find themselves in a situation of uncertainty due to frequent date changes, which prevents them from confidently planning their future academic or professional path. This uncertainty can lead to increased stress levels, decreased motivation, and even feelings of hopelessness and despair,” she added.

Pointing out that these cancellations reflect a larger problem in the political management of education in India, Roy observed that “the absence of coherent and reliable policies underscores a systemic failure that is diabolical in its consequences. It exposes the vulnerabilities of an education system that should be a pillar of stability and support for the country’s youth.”

Furthermore, she reiterated, “the lack of a clear schedule compounds the psychological burden. Students must cope with the pressure to stay focused and prepared, without knowing when or if their efforts will be evaluated. This prolonged state of uncertainty can have long-term effects on their mental health, including anxiety disorders and depression.”

Education authorities need to recognize and manage these psychological effects, she added. Furthermore, to measure this negative impact, Roy suggested that “some stressors can be reduced through open communication, timely updates and mental health support. Additionally, exploring different assessment techniques or adjusting exam dates can give students and researchers a sense of security and control during these difficult times.”

“The ongoing cancellations of national tests in India are not just an administrative concern but also highlight the precarious and chaotic state of Indian education,” she said. She also stressed that “the well-being of students and researchers must be a priority to ensure that they can continue their academic and professional journey with resilience and hope.”