As the demographic changes are taking place, Indian population will mostly consist of youth in the coming decades. As of June 14, 2017, the total population of India was 1,349,618,623 (1.34 billion). More than 50% of India’s current population is below the age of 25 and over 65% below the age of 35. the adult population in the age group 15-64 is expected a rise from 604 million in 2000 to 942 million in 2025. i.e., from 60 percent to 67 percent of the total population. It has already been reported that by 2020 India is set to become the youngest country in the world.
The education level is slightly going up as well. With that, there will be newer challenges in front of us. Promises have been made by the government(s) to give employment to all. However, the reality is quite different. Government jobs are still the first priority for the majority of youths as it in a way, gives the sense of security and a stable life ahead. In order to get a government job, one needs to appear in competitive exams. Even to get admission in a good college/institute one needs to score well in these competitive exams
These exams are conducted by different government agencies. These agencies usually outsource the task of preparing question papers for these exams to a third-party/company. In a given time-period this third-party/company prepares multiple sets of question papers. The companies make one or many teams to complete this task. I find this process a little questionable.
There are a few fundamental questions, which need our attention:
- How is the secrecy of these question papers maintained?
- Individuals who are involved in making these question papers, how trustworthy are they? Are they qualified enough to make these question papers?
- These people who are involved in making such question papers spend days/months going through questions of similar patterns. In which case, even though they do not leak the questions directly, is not it possible that by their practice and memory due to the repeated action, they circulate similar questions? How will their responsibility be ensured if that happens?
- A rather philosophical one. Most of the times these question papers are a test of human memory. How can we define someone’s ability/suitability for a job by testing her/his memory?
The only thing we can pass on to the coming generations is a better future, basis of which depends on our current actions. When we already know (even partially) what lies ahead of us, it is wise to work towards improving it; of course- Collectively!