New Delhi: A high-level committee set up by the Education Ministry and chaired by ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan has recommended significant reforms to make the examination process for NEET, CUET, UGC NET, and other exams conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) more robust. The guidelines draw a parallel from the general election framework and aim to safeguard the integrity and transparency of the test process and prevent any malpractices.
Following are the key recommendations made by the committee:
Centre-State Collaboration for Exam Conduct- A model similar to general elections will be implemented with Centre and state governments working together. District collectors and the state administrative machinery will play a pivotal role.
Sealing and Securing Test Centres- Testing centres will be sealed prior to exams and unsealed only in the presence of the concerned officials of the NTA and district administration.
NTA-Appointed Presiding Officers- Every testing centre will have a presiding officer to oversee operations, similar to polling booth supervision during elections.
Formation of State-Level Committees- Committees led by a Chief Secretary-nominated nodal officer will include representatives from the State police, NTA, Intelligence Bureau (IB), and the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
District-Level Committees for Exam Security- Headed by district magistrates, these committees will identify secure testing centres and plan secure question paper transportation with police or paramilitary support.
Minimising Reliance on Private Agencies- The Committee has recommended gradually reducing dependency on private test delivery agencies like TCS iON and collaborating with Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas to enhance digital infrastructure.
Implementation of a Digi-Exam System- Similar to the DigiYatra model, this system will verify candidates using biometric data. Additionally, it will use a one-time entry of primary identification information during applications.
Rigorous Background Checks for Testing Centres- Centres will be evaluated based on past performance, ownership records, and intelligence inputs to mitigate security risks.
Enhanced Monitoring and Sanitisation- There will be continuous CCTV monitoring during exams. Sanitisation of testing centres by third parties, with additional checks by NIC and NTA officials will be conducted. In addition, District-level CCTV monitoring centres will be established to oversee operations.
Redesigning NTA’s Role- NTA will focus only on higher education entrance exams. Recruitment exams will be conducted by other bodies.
Exam Mode for NEET- The Health Ministry will decide NEET’s mode (computer-based or pen-and-paper), with NTA acting as the service provider.
These reforms are expected to ensure improved fairness and efficiency in the conduct of national entrance tests.
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