Understanding the Protests: Why Students are Opposing the Two-Stage NTPC Exam

Why are students protesting the two-stage NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) exam? The reality is that the protest is partly justified, but also has some misunderstandings. This article delves into the reasons behind the protests and provides insights on the two-stage examination process.

The Reality Behind the Protests

There are multiple reasons for the protests, and some of them are well-founded. To begin with, in the RRB NTPC Tier 1 exam, around 300,000 students qualified, a much lower number than the 700,000 expected by students and teachers. This discrepancy led to widespread confusion and frustration.

Notification and Notification Understanding

The notifications regarding the NTPC exam were released in 2019, and the CBT 1 (Computer Based Test 1) was conducted as scheduled. However, the introduction of CBT 2 (Computer Based Test 2) for final selection was not clearly communicated to the students beforehand. This lack of transparent communication led to many students and teachers being unaware of the second stage of the exam.

Stupid Reasons to Protest

Some candidates are voicing their dissatisfaction over the idea that NTPC Tier 1 should have a qualifying cutoff of 50-60 out of 100. This demand is misguided at best. An argument of, 'with a score of 51/100, what are their expectations?', raises valid concerns. It is important to note that any score above 50 indicates that the candidate has performed better than half of the other applicants and is eligible to proceed to the next stage of the exam.

Another senseless argument made by some protesters is that graduates should not be allowed in the intermediate posts. While it is true that in exams such as the Civil Service (CHSL), more than 80% of the selected candidates are graduates, this is not an applicable rule to NTPC exams. If such an illogical demand were to be implemented, why should PhD holders be permitted to apply for any exam? This logic is flawed and demonstrates a lack of practical understanding of the recruitment process.

Why a Two-Stage Examination?

The two-stage examination process for recruitment into various jobs within the railways is designed to ensure merit and fairness. The first stage (CBT 1) serves as a screening mechanism that narrows down the pool of candidates. The final decision is made based on the performance in the second stage (CBT 2), which is more in-depth and specific to the job role.

The Importance of Fairness and Transparency

Introducing a two-stage process can be seen as a step towards fairness. It allows for a more thorough evaluation of candidates, enabling better matches between candidates’ skills and the job requirements. Moreover, transparency in communication is crucial. The examination authority must proactively communicate all necessary details to ensure that candidates are well-informed about the process.

Conclusion: Balancing Protests and Reality

The protests against the two-stage NTPC exam reveal a mix of justified concerns and misunderstandings. While the examination process aims to ensure merit and fairness, it is essential that all involved parties, including students, teachers, and the examination authority, work together to address any genuine issues and ensure transparency throughout the process.