A high-level committee of experts, headed by former chairperson of the Indian Space Research Organisation K. Radhakrishnan, has recommended restructuring of the National Testing Agency (NTA).

• The seven-member panel was appointed in June 2024 following complaints of question paper leak in the Common University Entrance Test-Undergraduate (CUET-UG).
• It has recommended significant reforms in the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA) to enhance transparency, efficiency, and coordination in conducting national-level entrance exams. 

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Key Recommendations of the Radhakrishnan Panel

• Policy Interventions: The panel recommended three policy interventions:
  • Multi-session testing, 
  • Multi-stage testing for NEET-UG
  • Multitude subject streams in CUET admission tests in the report.
• Digi-Exam System: The Committee has recommended Digi-Exam, on the lines of Digi-Yatra, to make the examination process foolproof.
  • Essentially, authentication will be done at the stages of application, test, admission/induction and study/ work
• Methodology of the Normalisation Process: The parameters and methodology of the normalisation process that is integral to multi-session testing, should be well-defined, established, documented, and communicated transparently for each test.
• Empowered Governance: Establish an accountable governing body with three sub-committees to oversee:
  • Test audit, ethics, and transparency.
  • Staff conditions and stakeholder relationships.
  • Nomination and policies.
• Domain-Specific Expertise:
  • Leadership at NTA to consist of experts with proven experience.
  • Creation of 10 specialized verticals led by Directors for efficient management.
• Strengthening Security: Guidelines provided for:
  • Secure question paper setting, printing, and transportation.
  • Testing center selection and seat allocation.
  • Prevention of impersonation and secure handling of OMR sheets.
• Coordination with state Authorities: The Committee recommends that Coordination Committees at State and District levels may be set up with specified roles and responsibilities
  • To address the complaints from the States, the NTA should develop institutional linkage with State/District authorities for providing a secure test administration apparatus.
• Testing Centre Allocation Policy: The panel envisioned a testing centre allocation policy to ensure that candidates have a choice of testing centres within their district of residence.
• Transition to CBT: The panel also recommended a gradual transition from Paper-and-Pencil Testing (PPT) to Computer-Based Testing (CBT).
• Mobile Test Centres (MTCs): It suggested “mobile test centres” or MTCs to help overcome the barriers to accessing the most remote and hard-to-reach locations.
• Hybrid Process: It further recommended the adoption of a “hybrid process” for computer-based testing (CBT) and paper-and-pencil testing (PPT) methods.

Major Issues with the Indian Examination System

• Lack of Credibility: There is a lack of credibility and consistency in examinations conducted by different boards and universities. 
  • Frequent Scandals: There are frequent reports of scandals related to paper leaks, cheating, and fake degrees, which erodes public trust in the examination system. For Example: NEET-UG Paper Leak, UGC Net irregularities etc
• Secrecy and Lack of Transparency: The entire exam process from setting papers to evaluating answer sheets is highly confidential. This lack of transparency allows mediocre practices to continue and facilitates exam malpractices. 
• Inadequate Regulations: Regulators promote academic autonomy for colleges but do not enforce enough oversight on them. The decentralized system has led to a lack of standardization in learning assessments across institutions. 
• Inadequate Penalties and Enforcement: The existing laws which criminalize cheating have not led to convictions which demonstrates lack of effective enforcement and penalties.
• Lack of Special Investigation Agency: India lacks a dedicated agency to investigate all types of examination offenses and bring culprits to justice quickly.

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Way Forward

• Enhanced Security Measures: To prevent paper leaks and malpractices, there is a need to implement stricter security protocols such as more robust digital encryption and increased surveillance at exam centers.
• Technological Improvements: To address technical glitches, better infrastructure and backup systems are required to ensure a smooth exam process. 
  • Example: Transition to online exams could be a better solution, as it reduces the risks associated with printing and distribution. 
    • Real-time support and troubleshooting teams can help to mitigate issues during the exam. 
• Policy and Structural Reforms: To address the allegations that NEET is facing from its formation, there is a need to establish a review committee to regularly assess its process and suggest improvements.
  • External audit of exam boards and publishing performance reports periodically.
  • Continuous assignments and assessments in addition to final exams.
  • Grievance redressal mechanisms for students regarding evaluation.
  • Need to ensure minimum quality standards through stricter monitoring.
  • Grading institutions on exam quality parameters like transparency, reliability, etc.
• Maintain Transparency and Build Communication: Improved transparency from the NTA regarding the steps taken to ensure exam integrity can help rebuild trust among students. 
  • Also, a clear and timely communication about the examination process and any issues that arise will be critical.
  • Ensuring transparency in the exam process through external oversight.
• Strict Penalties and its Enforcement: As per the Public Examinations Prevention of Unfair Means Act, there is a need to impose stringent penalties on persons resorting to unfair means.
• Public Awareness: Creating awareness among the public, particularly students, about the consequences of engaging in malpractices by engaging with educational institutions, civil society organisations, and the media and fostering a culture of integrity.
• Strengthening Examination Administration: Addressing corruption within examination administration requires stringent measures to detect and punish offenders, ensuring accountability and transparency in the conduct of examinations is imperative.

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Conclusion

The Radhakrishnan Panel’s recommendations to restructure the NTA represent a critical step towards improving India’s testing and examination system. By focusing on enhanced coordination, technological integration, and a decentralized approach, India can address current challenges, including exam malpractices, infrastructure limitations, and accessibility issues. 

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