National Testing Agency, Reforms in National Entrance Exams

A high-level committee chaired by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan has proposed major reforms to enhance transparency and efficiency in conducting national entrance exams such as NEET, CUET, and UGC-NET.

Table of Contents

About National Testing Agency

It was established in 2017 as a specialist, self-sustaining and autonomous organisation under the the Union Ministry of Education.
It is registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860.
It is headed by a director general appointed by the Union government.
It is responsible for conducting entrance exams and assessments for admission and recruitment
Examinations conducted by the NTA: JEE (Main), NEET-UG, Common Management Admission Test (CMAT), University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) etc.

Key Recommendations of the Committee

Conduct Exams Like Elections:

The Centre and state governments should work together, using the state administrative machinery, similar to how elections are conducted.
Each testing centre should have a presiding officer appointed by the NTA, responsible for ensuring that the exam follows predefined protocols, just like polling booths during elections.

Strict Management of Exam Centres

Exam centres should be sealed before the scheduled test in the presence of district officials and the police.
They should remain guarded until they are reopened on exam day like handling of strong rooms for electronic voting machines.

Choosing Exam Centres:

District committees must select centres after evaluating past records, the reputation of the centre’s management and intelligence inputs about potential risks.

Formation of Coordination Committees:

State-Level Committees: Headed by a Chief Secretary-nominated nodal officer, these committees will include representatives from state police, NTA, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the NIC.
District-Level Committees: Led by the District Magistrate including police chief.

Improve Digital Infrastructure:

Reduce reliance on private agencies like TCS iON for conducting computer-based exams.
Upgrade the digital infrastructure of centrally-run schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas to serve as reliable testing centres.

Introduce a Digi-Exam System:

Inspired by the DigiYatra model, this system will ensure candidate verification.
Candidates’ primary data will be collected at the time of application, while biometric data will be verified before the exam begins.

Enhance Monitoring and Security:

Question Paper and OMR Sheet Safety: NTA officials will be responsible for safeguarding question papers and OMR sheets until the exam concludes.
CCTV Surveillance: Candidates will be continuously monitored during the exam via CCTV.