The recent news concerning MCQ Paper I (Mains) in NSC, NPS and Allied Services Examination, 2014 and the stringent decision of the Commission to scrap 119 marks has come as a shocking news, putting those who scored well to a great disadvantage. What can be worst than scrapping away the hard earned marks, for reasons, that the question were set from the most recommended text for General Studies for state and central services Examination. The past question papers pattern is prove enough that it is not the first time that questions were ask from Tata McGraw. Today, many NCS and NPS officers are serving the government by studying the most referred book (Tata McGraw), but why such an injustice particularly this year?In competitive exam, knowing the current pattern of exam is essential, as well as to keep up to date of the Currents Events of last few years is expected of a candidate. So is it justifiable that the aspiring candidates dictates the books from which the questions is be set, if so, than it will not be competitive examination at all. The strength and glory of competitive examination is to face the unexpected, and the key to success is answering the questions correctly no matter how tough or easy, or from which corner the questions are set.
The 50 questions of current affairs, which was term as ‘not so current’ is no doubt disheartening, being selected from the referred book, but the innocent candidates should not be victimized anyhow. It is to note that the similar type of questions will be found in all the General Studies book available in the market. The fact that the history and subject matter is the same, so are facts.
So, the question arises, as to why the questions should be scrapped? Is it because the objective questions are found only in Tata McGraw? Or is it because few hard working aspirants have scored above 150? Or scrapped as it is deemed as mere luck? or has it become mandatory that the Commission be dictated by the every whims and views of candidates? Or is the issue so severe as to nullify almost the complete set of Paper I, deducting more than 100marks. It is understood, that the Commission is trying its best to give justice and fair trial to all the candidates alike, but to give in to this type of complains resulting in re-examination or scrapping will only create further complications in future, and will result in denial of rights to those who performed well. This trend if continued will leave a loophole whereby aspirants not doing well in exam would very likely demand for re-examination or scrapping to try their own luck. As, that questions from Tata McGraw will inevitably occur in future as it is amongst the most comprehensive and detailed compiled book for General studies specifically.
The heart of the matter is this, by scrapping 119 questions, it is not possible to judge from the remaining 81 questions. As, by circumstance, those who have attempted the question on General Science, history and current affairs might not have taken risk on attempting questions from Mental Ability and topics on Nagaland owing to trend of negative marking and probability. If it is scrapped, those who have scored well will be losing more than a margin of 100 marks and those who have not attempted at all will gain undue advantage, as they would not be affected by scrapping or even if it is so, it would only be to negligible extent. In fact, the majority would favour to scrap or re-examine, asking for second chance but it is not popular politics where majority vote is to be counted for, as the posts are only for the best few.
This write-up is a cry for justice, as writing the exam well is not the fault of candidates, reaching the finishing line first is not lack of efficiency, memorizing thousands of facts is no less easy, Competitive exam is not luck factor but hard work and sincerity. knowing in faith that the NPSC exam is the most fair and transparent exam in our state, on whom we put utmost trust and dedication, it is a humble plea to the Nagaland Public service Commission (NPSC) to kindly reconsider the decision as notified at Commission’s official web site dated 12th Sept.2014.The Commission so empowered need not easily be swayed by few written complaints of frustrated candidates. Anticipating positive response and collective support from all who loves justice.
C. Ba-ie
