Introduction

• Parliamentary Standing Committee criticised the National Testing Agency (NTA) for failing to inspire confidence.

• Highlighted delays, administrative errors, and exam leaks, undermining credibility of national examinations.

• Called for urgent systemic reforms to restore trust, transparency, and efficiency.

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Key Observations of the Committee

1. Chronic Delays & Administrative Lapses

• Repeated delays in CUET results, disrupting academic calendars and admissions.

• NTA failed to adhere to timelines despite handling high-stakes national exams.

2. Exam Irregularities (2024–25)

• Out of 14 exams, at least 5 faced major issues:

  • UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, NEET-PG postponed

  • NEET-UG affected by paper leaks

  • CUET results delayed

  • JEE Main 2025: Answer key errors → 12 questions withdrawn

• Recurrent failures eroding student confidence and exam integrity.

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Financial Performance & Capacity Issues

1. Surplus Funds

• Revenue (6 years): ₹3,512.98 crore

• Expenditure: ₹3,064.77 crore

• Unutilised surplus: ₹448 crore

2. Committee’s Concern

• Despite surplus, NTA lacks:

  • Strong in-house exam infrastructure

  • Adequate institutional capacity

• Over-dependence on outsourced vendors.

3. Recommendations

• Use surplus to:

  • Build in-house technical and logistical capacity

  • Reduce outsourcing

  • Strengthen oversight, accountability, and data security

  • Improve exam integrity mechanisms

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Examination Mode: Pen-and-Paper vs CBT

• Committee favoured pen-and-paper mode.

• Cited CBSE and UPSC as largely leak-proof for decades.

• Implied computer-based tests (CBTs) are vulnerable without robust safeguards.

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National Testing Agency (NTA): Background

Establishment

• Created in 2017

• Autonomous, self-sustaining body under Ministry of Education

• Registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860

• Covered under RTI Act

Pre-NTA Scenario

• Exams conducted by UGC, CBSE, DU, JNU, etc., independently.

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Historical Evolution

• 1992: Proposed in Programme of Action (NEP 1986)

• 2010: IIT Directors’ committee recommended a statutory testing body (inspired by ETS, USA)

• 2017: Cabinet approved formation of NTA

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Major Examinations Conducted by NTA

High-Volume Exams

• JEE Main – Engineering

• NEET-UG – Medical

• CUET-UG – Central universities

• Over 50 lakh candidates annually

Other Exams

• CUET-PG, UGC-NET, CSIR UGC-NET

• CMAT, GPAT, HM JEE

• DU, JNU, IIFT, ICAR entrance tests

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Broader Higher Education Issues Flagged

Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh

• Committee urged UGC to evaluate the institute founded by Sonam Wangchuk.

• Recognised its innovative, replicable education model.

UGC Regulations & Governance

• Draft UGC Regulations, 2025:

  • Opposition fears increased control of Chancellor/Visitor in VC appointments.

  • Panel recommended CABE consultation and wider stakeholder engagement.

• UGC Chairperson post vacant since April 2025:

  • Urgent appointment recommended.

UGC Equity Regulations, 2025

• Noted delays and recommended:

  • Inclusion of OBC harassment under caste discrimination

  • Recognition of disability as a separate axis

  • Clear categorisation of discriminatory acts

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Conclusion

• Committee highlighted structural and governance failures in NTA.

• Emphasised reforms in:

  • Capacity building

  • Accountability

  • Exam security

• Without timely action, credibility of India’s national examination system remains at serious risk