Srinagar, Nov. 14 -- Examinations are meant to be a test of knowledge, not a test of privilege, influence or access. When question papers are leaked, results are manipulated or evaluation becomes questionable, the very purpose of education is defeated. Every breach of examination integrity raises a fundamental question: does hard work still determine success, or has the system begun to reward those who can exploit its weaknesses? The recurring controversies surrounding entrance examinations demand more than damage control. They call for a complete overhaul of the examination system, where merit determines outcomes and institutional accountability leaves no room for compromise.

The growing dependence on centralised examinations has made t...