The Ministry of Education has taken a significant step towards ensuring transparent, smooth, and fair conduct of examinations, particularly the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). A high-level committee of seven experts has been formed to address concerns regarding alleged irregularities in the NEET 2024 exam. The expert panel will thoroughly analyze the entire examination process and recommend measures to enhance its efficiency and prevent any potential breaches.
Leading this panel is Koppillil Radhakrishnan, the former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Radhakrishnan, renowned for his leadership in the space sector, brings extensive experience to this task. He started his career as an Avionics Engineer at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and held numerous key positions within ISRO, overseeing space launch systems, space applications, and space programme management. He has also served as the Director of both the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and the National Remote Sensing Agency. In addition to his contributions to the space sector, Radhakrishnan played a pivotal role in establishing the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and the Indian National Tsunami Warning System during his time at the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
The committee’s mandate encompasses a comprehensive review of the examination process, data security protocols, and the structure and functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Other notable members of the panel include Dr. Randeep Guleria, former Director of AIIMS Delhi; Professor B J Rao, Vice Chancellor of Central University of Hyderabad; Professor Ramamurthy K, Professor Emeritus from IIT Madras; Pankaj Bansal, Co-Founder of People Strong; Professor Aditya Mittal, Dean of Student Affairs at IIT Delhi; and Govind Jaiswal, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Education.
The expert panel is tasked with several key objectives, including:
1.
Reform in the mechanism of the examination process:
The panel will conduct a thorough analysis of the entire examination process, from start to finish, to identify areas for improvement and recommend measures to enhance efficiency and prevent any potential breaches. This includes a detailed review of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protocols of the NTA.2.
Improvement in data security protocols:
The committee will evaluate the existing data security processes and protocols of the NTA and propose enhancements to strengthen the system. This will include examining security protocols related to paper-setting and other processes involved in various examinations.3.
Structure and functioning of the National Testing Agency:
The committee will analyze the organizational structure and functioning of the NTA and recommend improvements. This includes clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of individuals at all levels within the organization. The panel will also review the NTA’s current grievance redressal mechanism and propose measures to enhance its efficiency.The committee is expected to submit its report to the Ministry of Education within two months. The recommendations are expected to bring significant changes to the examination process, enhancing transparency, fairness, and the overall integrity of the NEET exam.
