The Ministry of Education has established a high-level committee of experts, headed by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan, to ensure the transparent, smooth, and fair conduct of examinations through the National Testing Agency (NTA). The seven-member committee, which held its inaugural meeting on June 24th at the IIT Delhi campus, is tasked with recommending reforms in the examination process, enhancing data security protocols, and reviewing the NTA’s structure and functioning. These reforms are anticipated to be implemented during the next exam cycle.
Ministry officials have emphasized the significance of addressing the concerns surrounding the integrity of the examination system, stating that these reforms are a top priority. “It is a mammoth task and must be done with complete preparation to ensure there are no loopholes. However, it is also the most important priority of the ministry right now,” an official told PTI on condition of anonymity.
The committee’s primary focus will be on gathering feedback from students and parents, acknowledging the controversies surrounding alleged irregularities in competitive exams like NEET and NET. “Our top priority is to hear from the students and parents of this country, to understand their concerns and gather their suggestions,” stated Radhakrishnan. The panel will engage with them to understand their challenges and concerns regarding the examination process. “The first priority for us is to gather concerns and suggestions from students and parents across the country. We will engage with them as much as possible, in person or through electronic media. Over the next fortnight, we aim to consolidate this feedback,” Radhakrishnan told reporters on Tuesday.
Alongside addressing student concerns, the committee aims to establish a robust system for conducting examinations. “Our next priority is to quickly build a robust system for conducting the tests. We are looking to develop a tamper-proof system with zero errors that will lessen difficulties and stress for students while incorporating adequate flexibility,” Radhakrishnan added.
The committee’s meeting also addressed the pressing issue of cybersecurity and the challenges posed by the darknet, where the UGC-NET exam question paper was leaked, leading to its cancellation. The high-level panel will provide recommendations for reforms in the examination process, improved data security protocols, and the structure and functioning of the NTA.
In a related development, the CBI has taken over five new cases of alleged malpractices in the NEET UG 2024 exam, previously investigated by police in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Bihar. This follows the opposition’s assurance of bringing the paper leak matter to Parliament. Additionally, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Maharashtra police arrested a Zilla Parishad school teacher from Latur and registered a case against four individuals after uncovering a racket facilitating NEET students’ passing through monetary means.
Furthermore, the Centre has notified the rules under the recently passed anti-paper leak law, mandating the National Recruitment Agency (NRA) to develop norms, standards, and guidelines for computer-based tests.
