Mizoram Governor General (Retd) V.K. Singh has asserted that paper leaks, which have affected certain civilian competitive examinations, do not occur in the Army or the Air Force, owing to the robust and transparent systems in place within the armed forces.
Delivering the address at the ‘Sena Samvad’ programme organised by ‘Uniform Unveiled’ at the Manekshaw Centre here on Saturday, Gen Singh made the remarks before a large gathering of young participants, including students from various schools in Delhi and the neighbouring regions. Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain was present on the dais during the session.
Context of the Statement
The Governor’s observations were made against the backdrop of the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination, conducted on May 3. The test was cancelled following allegations of irregularities and a question paper leak. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has since arrested multiple individuals in connection with the case, and the National Testing Agency has scheduled a re-examination for June 21.
Gen Singh noted that competitive examinations are also held for recruitment into the armed forces. He emphasised that the institutional mechanisms in the military ensure complete integrity and prevent any possibility of compromise.
Key Remarks by the Governor
“A paper of NEET exam may get leaked, but in Army, paper leak doesn’t happen, and it doesn’t happen in the Air Force. We have devised systems which are absolutely fair. You can’t have a fairer system than that,” Gen Singh stated.
He further observed, “It is a very fair system. You will not get anything fairer than this. And, everything is fair in the armed forces.”
Elaborating on the examination process followed in the armed forces, the Governor explained that answer sheets are evaluated through a highly structured and impartial method. Each evaluator is assigned only one specific question to assess across all candidates’ papers. This single-question evaluation model, he said, eliminates subjectivity, ensures uniformity, and upholds the highest standards of transparency and merit.
Broader Observations on Armed Forces Ethos
Beyond the technical aspects of examination conduct, Gen Singh highlighted the enduring values that define the armed forces. He stated that fairness, discipline, motivation, and a deep commitment to serving the nation are most consistently demonstrated within the military.
He also drew attention to the foundational element of mutual trust between officers and soldiers. “A soldier knows that an officer won’t issue an order that he himself cannot do. And, an officer knows that no matter what situation comes, a jawan will never desert him. This is that trust which makes our armed forces, and helps the military move forward,” he remarked.
Purpose of the Event
The ‘Sena Samvad’ session formed part of a day-long initiative designed to engage young audiences with the principles and functioning of the armed forces. Gen Singh’s address focused on reinforcing confidence in institutional integrity and encouraging the youth to recognise the disciplined and merit-based culture prevalent in military institutions.
The Governor’s comments have been noted for the clear distinction he drew between the examination systems of the armed forces and those of certain other competitive tests that have recently faced allegations of irregularities. His remarks underscored the meticulous processes that, according to him, safeguard fairness and credibility in military recruitment.
The event concluded with appreciation for the structured frameworks that continue to uphold merit, discipline, and national service as core pillars of the armed forces.
