The Government of India formed the National Testing Agency (NTA) Reform Committee, chaired by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, former Chairman of ISRO, on June 22, 2024, in the aftermath of the NEET controversy, to propose comprehensive reforms for improving NTA’s functioning and examination processes. The committee has recently submitted its report.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Key Issues Highlighted in the Radhakrishnan Panel Report

• Question Paper Leaks and Security Breaches: Past incidents like the CUET-UG, NEET question paper leak underline vulnerabilities in the examination process.
• Lack of Focus on Core Responsibilities: NTA’s involvement in recruitment tests has diluted its ability to effectively handle entrance exams for higher education.
• Insufficient Coordination with States and Districts: Weak institutional linkages with local authorities have hindered secure and efficient test administration.
• Inadequate Governance and Accountability: Absence of a robust governing structure with specialized sub-committees to oversee test audits, ethics, and stakeholder management.
• Dependence on External Resources: Heavy outsourcing of key tasks like question paper preparation, printing, and logistics has led to compromised accountability and increased risks.
• Testing Infrastructure Gaps: Limited internal capacity to handle large-scale, multi-session, or multi-stage exams effectively.
• Opaque Normalization Processes: Lack of transparency and clarity in the normalization process for multi-session tests.

Recommendations for Enhancing NTA’s Role and Scope

1. Rethinking NTA’s Role and Scope

• Concentrate primarily on entrance examinations for higher education, minimizing involvement in recruitment tests to streamline operations.
• Address the growing demand for examinations by increasing infrastructure, personnel, and technological resources.

2. Strengthening Leadership

• Appoint two Additional Director Generals (ADGs) to assist the Director General in managing NTA’s expanding responsibilities.
• Assign them specific tasks to oversee areas such as test development, technology, and center management for focused leadership.   

3. Reducing Outsourcing

• Enhance In-House Capabilities: Build internal teams for tasks like test development, administration, and result processing to improve accountability.
• Minimize External Dependencies: Reduce risks by handling sensitive operations internally, ensuring better quality control and reduced vulnerabilities.

4. Strengthening State and District-Level Involvement

• Form Coordination Committees at state and district levels comprising NTA officials, NIC representatives, police, and Intelligence Bureau for strategic planning and execution.
• Delegate responsibilities to these committees for deciding test locations, security planning, and ensuring adherence to protocols.

Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store

5. Securing Test Centers

• Sealed Centers: Treat test centers like polling booths, ensuring  CCTV surveillance during exams.
• Appoint Presiding Officers: Assign Presiding Officers at each center to oversee the conduct and ensure strict adherence to NTA’s protocols.

6. Improving the Testing Process

• Multi-Session Exams: Conduct exams over multiple days or weeks to reduce logistical pressures and enhance security.
• Localized Center Allocation: Allot centers based on candidates’ district of residence for accessibility and reduced travel burden.
• Multiple Question Sets: Prepare at least three or more question paper sets to reduce the risk of leaks and finalize the set at the last moment.

7. Leveraging Innovative Testing Approaches

• Hybrid Models: Deliver questions digitally to centers while recording answers on traditional OMR sheets.
• Digi-Exam System: Introduce biometric verification systems, similar to airport protocols, for enhanced candidate authentication.
• Computer-Adaptive Testing: Implement real-time difficulty adjustments in exams, akin to GMAT, for tailored assessment.  

8. Long-Term Structural Changes

• Harmonize UG Entrance Tests: Standardize criteria and policies across all undergraduate-level national exams for consistency.
• Expand CBT Infrastructure: Collaborate with Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) to establish government-operated digital testing centers.
• Reduce Private Dependence: Develop a robust, government-owned testing network to minimize reliance on private entities.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

Conclusion

The Radhakrishnan Panel envisions a restructured NTA as a model of technological innovation, robust governance, and secure operations. By focusing on entrance exams and leveraging systems like Digi-Exam, it aims to set global benchmarks. Institutional linkages, capacity-building, and futuristic measures like adaptive testing will future-proof NTA, ensuring equity, transparency, and resilience in India’s examination system.

DOWNLOAD PDF