'Does Not Affect Integrity Of Exam': NLSIU On Claims Of NLAT Re-Test Paper Leak

LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK

14 Sep 2020 9:57 AM GMT

  • Does Not Affect Integrity Of Exam: NLSIU On Claims Of NLAT Re-Test Paper Leak

    Following complaints of NLAT re-test leak, the National Law School of India University(NLSIU) issued a statement that the malpractice of candidates copying and circulating questions on social media "does not affect the integrity of the exam as questions were already available to candidates after login".The Press Release was as follows :"On September 14, the University offered students...

    Following complaints of NLAT re-test leak, the National Law School of India University(NLSIU) issued a statement that the malpractice of candidates copying and circulating questions on social media "does not affect the integrity of the exam as questions were already available to candidates after login".

    The Press Release was as follows :

    "On September 14, the University offered students who complained of technical difficulties the opportunity to appear for an additional slot. The test paper was accessible to candidates after they logged in to the platform. Thereafter, it appears that some candidates have copied the questions and circulated this on some messaging apps/emails after logging in.

    While this is a malpractice under the NLAT proctoring guidelines, it does not affect the integrity of the exam as questions were already available to candidates after login.

    Our technology platform tracks and compares every candidate answer behaviour patterns and hence, any unusual candidate answer behaviour will be identified and result in disqualification.

    We will continue to investigate the matter with the help of our technical partners and issue further updated if necessary. We reassure candidates and their parents that we will be transparent and ensure examination integrity at all times".



    The NLSIU statement came after certain students who took the re-test for National Law Aptitude Test (NLAT 2020) came forward complaining that the exam paper was leaked during the exam.

    A student contacted LiveLaw, sharing a copy of the re-test, allegedly being circulated all over social media, while the exam was ongoing.

    After many students complained of technical glitched during NLAT 2020 exam last Sunday, NLSIU decided to conduct a re-test. The same commenced at 12.30 today. 

    "The exam started at 12:30 and on 12:52 the entire paper got leaked on various groups, we have no idea when the 'first cheater' got all the questions.

    Getting the entire question paper on 12:52 could allow a candidate to further send it to his friends/ teachers who would comfortably do the questions ahead of time, there are thousands of advantages you could have after getting the ENTIRE PAPER at 12:52," a student told LiveLaw.

    NLAT 2020 is a "home-based" online examination that uses a combination of AI-based and human proctoring.

    The decision of the premier law institute to conduct a separate admission test after backing out of CLAT has been challenged in the Supreme Court. On September 11, the Supreme Court said that it will examine the legality of the decision, and restrained NLSIU from publishing the results of NLAT and conducting admissions on its basis, while allowing it to hold the test on September 12. The matter will be considered again by the Court on September 16.

    It was on September 3 that the NLSIU issued the revised admission notification stating that it will not accept CLAT scores for admissions to the academic year 2020-21 and that the same will be based on the NLAT.

    The NLSIU cited the repeated postponement of CLAT on account of COVID-19 as a reason for the decision behind the separate test. It said that the University is under a compulsion to complete the admission process by September end, as it follows a trimester system distinct from other National Law Universities.



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