Font size:
Print
NTA to Conduct Only Entrance Exams from 2025
Context:
A seven-member high-level committee led by former ISRO chair Dr. K Radhakrishnan was constituted in June 2024 to evaluate the NTA’s operations. Based on the committee’s recommendations, the Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced significant changes to the agency’s role and structure.
About NTA:
- The National Testing Agency (NTA), established in 2017, has played a pivotal role in conducting major entrance examinations such as the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG), and the Common University Entrance Test (CUET).
- In addition, it has conducted recruitment exams for various government agencies. However, controversies surrounding paper leaks and irregularities have raised concerns about the NTA’s functioning, prompting the government to initiate reforms.
Key Changes Announced: Focus on Entrance Exams: Starting in 2025, the NTA will exclusively conduct entrance exams for higher education institutions, discontinuing its involvement in recruitment exams.
- Restructuring of NTA: Ten new administrative posts focusing on digital infrastructure, IT security, and operational management will be created to ensure an error-free examination process.
- Expanded Test Centre Network: Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) will be utilised as test centres, forming the backbone of a nationwide Computer-Based Testing (CBT) network.
Recommendations by the High-Level Panel:
The committee’s report, submitted on October 21, emphasised the following:
- Capacity Building: The NTA should prioritise conducting entrance exams and expand its scope only after enhancing its operational capacity.
- CBT Centres: A robust network of 400-500 standardised CBT centres, capable of accommodating 2.0-2.5 lakh candidates per session, should be established within a year. Eventually, every district headquarters should have well-equipped CBT centres.
- Committee Recommendations and Governance: To oversee the implementation of these reforms, a high-powered three-member steering committee will be formed. Dr. K Radhakrishnan has been requested to be part of this neutral body, ensuring the recommendations are followed in letter and spirit. Transparency and consistency in exam policies will be prioritised to address concerns raised by stakeholders, including parents and students.
Need for the Changes Announced:
- The NTA’s involvement in recruitment exams has stretched its resources, leading to challenges such as paper leaks and logistical inefficiencies.
- Offline exams, in particular, involve third-party agencies for printing, transporting, and storing question papers, increasing opportunities for malpractices.
- Recent incidents have eroded public trust, with some cases even reaching the Supreme Court. These changes aim to:
- Enhance the NTA’s credibility and efficiency.
- Minimise errors and irregularities.
- Establish a standardised and secure examination process.
Broader Implications of the Changes:
- Enhanced Collaboration: The education and health ministries will work together to align exam formats with sectoral needs. For example, the mode of NEET-UG 2025, whether CBT or Optical Mark Recognition (OMR), will be decided after consultations.
- Comprehensive Infrastructure: The proposed test centre network will make high-quality testing facilities accessible nationwide, especially in rural and remote areas, promoting inclusivity.
- Improved Exam Security: Eliminating offline exams reduces the risk of paper leaks, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
Challenges in Implementing the Changes Announced:
- Infrastructure Development: Setting up a nationwide CBT network within a year requires significant investment and coordination.
- Capacity Building: Recruiting skilled personnel for the newly created administrative roles and training them will be crucial.
- Policy Clarity:Clear and timely communication with stakeholders about the transition and new policies is essential to avoid confusion and backlash.
