2. Problems Faced By Our Examination System

2. PROBLEM FACED BY OUR EXAMINATION SYSTEM 1 he purpose of examination is to judge and evaluate the intelligence and ability of a student. It may be oral or written, theoretical or practical. So it must be conducted in such a way that a student can easily express the originality of his thought. More emphasis should be on361 The Study of Education the moral and cultural aspects of a student's character as without character-building education is of little or no use. There are two kinds of examination, internal or home Examination and external or board or university examination. The internal examinations are conducted on monthly, quarterly or annual basis and its aim is to evaluate the performance of students. Similarly external examinations are also conducted on semester or annual basis. But the aim of these examinations are to promote the students from lower classes to higher classes and award them certificates, diplomas or degrees. In our country different institutions follow different systems of examination and both the systems have their own merits and demerits. In annual system of examination the relevant institution has to prepare questions papers, arrange for its marking and conducting examination only once a year. Similarly the students prepare themselves for the annual examination and their tension is relived in a single chance but the problem with them in that as compared to semester system they have to make thorough study of the whole course included in their syllabus. As far semester system of examination is concerned, the students find it easy to study and get full acquaintance of a portion of the annual syllabus and get through the examination with attaining higher marks in a more easy and comfortable way as compared to annual system -of examination. But the problem rests with the body conducting examination. It has to conduct examination twice or thrice in a year for which th'ey have to make arrangement more than once. One clear and obvious defect in the annual system of examination is that examinations conducted under this system waste most of the time of the students. After the i examination is conducted, the students have to wait at least for four months to see their result. The case of failed students is even worse. Appearing in the coming supplementary examination and the period up to result362 The Study of Education announcement take at least one full year which is really a matter of concern for the students parents and teachers. But it is a pity to say that no body cares even the government like a silent spectator looks at the game and reserve its decision. Besides the individual merits and demerits of both the systems of examination there are some problems which are common to both the systems. For instance there are no

prescribed set of scientific rules and regulations to be followed by an examiner while marking the papers he is unable to know which answer-book is written by whom and with the help of a teacher, professor or using other objectionable materials. That is why the system is devoid to ensure the accurate results in assessing the real worth and intelligence of the examinee. More than the test of intelligence it is just a game of chance. Being a game of chance, examination is so uncertain and unreliable that most of students are afraid of it. Despite thorough study and full preparation, a student begins to feel nervous as the examination draws near. Sometimes his nervousness is so great that even his bestprepared lesson seem to evaporate from his minds. Prior to commencement of the examination he feels quite sure of doing well but once the question paper is placed before him his mind becomes completely blank. He stresses upon his mind but in vain. It also surprises a student to see that none of the expected questions over which he has spent days and nights appears in the paper. So his fear convert into disappointment and despite preparation for the examination his performance becomes zero. The system of examination is so unnatural and unscientific that it can hardly be accepted as the best way of assessing one's true worth and ability. Under the system in vogue a mediocre student may leave behind an intelligent and well-versed student. Many scholars and thinkers, having continental reputation, showed 363 The Study of Education disappointing feats in the examination. Einstein, the greatest modern scientist, once failed in the mathematics and Shakespeare the greatest poet and dramatist did not possess any academic distinction. It has been observed that generally those who stood first in the examination lagged behind in the battle of life. The system is also detrimental for the physical and mental health of the students with a view to securing good marks. Most of the students burn the midnight oil and in some cases even pass sleepless nights. Due to great strain and tension on their mind they grow pale and others so weak that look mere shadow and skeletons requiring proper care and medication. When they come out of the educational institution, they have exhausted all of the their body strength and find it difficult to adjust themselves properly in the hectic struggle for survival. An impediment in the way of realizing the true aim of education is that in our educational institutions the students are forced to concentrate upon a specific syllabus and to the materials which are important with examination point of view. The students confuse themselves to the prescribe course with one eye on the prize, medal or at least on first division on the expense of getting real knowledge. This attitude of the student deprives him to improve his moral and spiritual capabilities. Sometimes the courses of study are so heavy that he is compelled to care for fair or foul means to get through the examination. In the present situation it is no fault of the student if he takes recourse' to guide books or

private tuition centres, use of unfair means in the examination hall or personal approaches made later on the examinees concerned. The .question is how to improve the system by bringing reforms and introducing the ways and means to suit the requirements of a well coherent and practicable mode of action. First to improve the examination system a uniform system of education should be introduced. The364 The Study of Education syllabus, pattern of teaching, schedule of examination and result declaration dates must be the same. A single body of examination must be constituted and the examiner must set such type of questions in the paper through which a complete reflection of an examination could be easily judged. Examination should be conducted and held in a scientific way to fulfil the purpose for which they are intended. are