A high-level committee of experts, headed by ISRO’s former chairperson of K. Radhakrishnan, has recommended restructuring of the National Testing Agency (NTA).
- The seven-member panel was appointed in June this year following complaints of question paper leak in the Common University Entrance Test-Undergraduate (CUET-UG).
Key Recommendations:
Adoption of a Digi-Exam System
- Inspired by Digi-Yatra, this system aims to establish foolproof identity verification for candidates.
- Ensures that the person taking the exam matches the one who applied and joined the program.
Governing Body Restructuring
- Establishment of an empowered and accountable governing body.
- Creation of three sub-committees to focus on specific aspects:
- Test Audit: Ensure quality and fairness in exam processes.
- Ethics and Transparency: Oversee ethical conduct and prevent malpractices.
- Nomination, Staff Conditions, and Stakeholder Relationships: Address governance and stakeholder concerns.
Institutional Linkages with States/Districts
- Collaboration with State and District authorities to ensure secure test administration.
- Provides localized support for smooth conduct of exams and safeguards against leaks or mismanagement.
Policy Interventions
- Multi-Session Testing: Spread exams over multiple sessions to minimize risks and accommodate logistical challenges.
- Multi-Stage Testing for NEET-UG: Introduce phased examinations to improve efficiency and fairness.
- Multitude Subject Streams for CUET: Cater to diverse academic interests and streamline admission processes.
