NTA's demotion! Agency will no longer conduct recruitment examinations…responsibility for entrance exams of educational institutions

New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct only entrance exams for higher education institutions from 2025 and not recruitment exams. He stressed the government's shift towards computer-adaptive, technology-driven “zero-error” examinations. Addressing reporters at his residence, Pradhan announced the restructuring of NTA to increase the efficiency and credibility of its operations.

He said that we have started the process of restructuring of NTA by creating new posts and appointing new officers. This will bring new energy to the organization. Reorganization Former ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Radhakrishnan.

The committee formed in June after the leak of NEET-Graduate exam papers submitted its report to the Education Ministry on October 21. The committee, constituted on June 22, 2024, held around 30 meetings and proposed 101 recommendations to ensure “smooth and fair” conduct of the examinations. The main recommendations include NTA focusing only on entrance examinations for higher education. Pradhan said, “NTA will no longer conduct recruitment exams, now these will be handled by the respective state, district and central departments.

“We are working towards technology-driven entrance examinations that ensure zero errors and minimize irregularities,” he said. The 165-page report accessed by ANI gives detailed recommendations on the functioning of NTA, conduct of examinations and standard operating procedures to be followed during the examinations. It proposes restructuring of the National Testing Agency (NTA) with improved governance and operational standards, transition to computer-based and adaptive testing methods, and improved testing security using AI and biometric technology.

Key recommendations include multi-session and multi-stage testing, development of safe and accessible testing centres, mobile testing units for remote areas and a strong grievance redressal mechanism. With an emphasis on mental health support and reducing exam stress, the report also outlines measures for social inclusivity, training programs for stakeholders and comprehensive SOPs to prevent malpractices. The committee also proposed the creation of a Grievance Reporting and Redressal Cell (GRRC) to address problems faced by students during examinations.

“Given the scale of examinations like JEE and NEET, in which lakhs of students appear, this is an important step,” Pradhan said. He stressed the importance of addressing mental health challenges for students and ensuring timely declaration of results. “Mental health will be an important focus,” he said. In view of previous incidents like NEET-UG paper leak, the committee recommended stronger cyber security measures including dynamic solutions to secure the question papers and prevent irregularities.

Click here to read news related to the country…