Parliamentary panel flags NTA exam irregularities, seeks time-bound reforms roadmap

The parliamentary panel report stated that despite the formation of the high-powered steering committee, paper irregularities continue, leading to the cancellation of examinations and causing great anxiety among students. The panel recommended that the Education Ministry publish a time-bound implementation roadmap for the high-level committee of experts (HLCE) recommendations at the earliest.

To suggest effective measures for the transparent, smooth, and fair conduct of examinations by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the Education Ministry constituted HLCE on June 22, 2024 to make recommendations on reforms in the examination process, improvement in data security protocols, and the structure and functioning of NTA.

HLCE submitted its report to the ministry on October 21, 2024. It has recommended reforms to National Common Entrance Test, including strengthening NTA, establishing institutional linkages with states, and involving test-implementing agencies as knowledge and examination partners.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, headed by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh, had earlier noted that several firms involved in paper setting, administration, and evaluation have been blacklisted by one organisation or state government. However, this does not prevent them from securing contracts from other states or organisations.

NTA informed the committee that core activities such as paper setting and evaluation are not outsourced, as they are crucial to maintaining the integrity of the examination process. “Further, NTA maintains records of penalised vendors, including terminations, blacklisting, and contract cessations, and does not engage vendors that have been blacklisted by NTA itself. The procurement process adopted by NTA incorporates mandatory self-disclosure clauses regarding blacklisting of the bidder by any government agency,” NTA told the panel.