TISSNET 2016: Reports of mass cheating emerge; test takers demand re-examination

Several reports of malpractices have surfaced in Tata Institute of Social Science's National Entrance Test (TISSNET) 2016 exam, which was held on January 9, 2016.

According to some accounts, mass cheating prevailed at certain exam centres. Invigilators allowed test takers to carry cell phones and calculators inside the test centre. Some candidates also alleged that TISS-NET had changed the exam pattern, which was informed only to ‘minority and SC/ST/OBC applicants’.

Apart from the above, candidates stated that the exam was marred with technical glitches, and some centres even started at the exam at different times (instead of the scheduled 2pm exam).

Speaking to Shiksha on the condition of anonymity, one test taker said, “There was such poor management. Invigilators were final year students of the colleges. They didn’t even ban mobile phones, which people used it to answer all GK questions. It gave them an upper hand over other genuine and deserving candidates.”

Leading coaching centre IMS confirmed that several students faced glitches during the TISS NET exam in a particular Navi Mumbai centre. According to some online reports, some test centres in Kolkata and Delhi also faced technical issues.

Some test takers have started an online petition in change.org, demanding re-examination. The petition has received 571 signatures at the time of filling the story.

The statement read:

“Around 30000 aspirants from all over India wrote TISS-NET on 9th January 2016. From technical glitches to erroneous and out of the syllabus questions to malpractices, TISS-NET this year too will be no less in controversies.

TISS authorities decided to change the prevalent pattern in the last week, increasing the percentage of GK upto 40% and reducing Math to a mere 30% of overall score. Data Interpretation which was not part of the prevalent pattern until this year, was introduced this year, occupying around 16% of the paper. This new change in pattern was announced by TISS in their orientation (only for minority and SC/ST/OBC applicants) held a week before the exam. The official notice stating the change in pattern did not appear on the TISS website until 2 days before the exam.

The exam was supposed to begin at 2:00 as listed on the Admit Card provided by TISS, however it ended up beginning at different times for different centres all over the country, allowing students to procure answers through social networking websites and other media. Mass cheating was practised by students in numerous centres, with invigilators allowing cell-phones and calculators inside the exam hall.”

Shiksha is currently trying to get in touch with TISSNET authorities. The institute’s director has not yet respond to our mail requesting clarity on the matter and future course of action. We’ll update in case we get a response.

TISSNET 2016 is an online examination. The test comprised of 100 questions, with each question carrying one mark. There’s no negative marking. According to experts, the exam was of moderate difficulty level. TISSNET scores are used for MA in Human Resources Management and Labour Relations.