Delays, paper leaks: NTA doesn't inspire confidence, says House panel, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• A Parliamentary Committee has expressed concerns about the National Testing Agency (NTA), citing a lack of confidence due to recent issues.
• The committee noted delays in CUET results and paper leaks in NEET-UG among other problems in 14 competitive exams conducted by NTA in 2024.
• The panel highlighted that the NTA has a surplus of ₹448 crore which it should use to improve its testing capabilities.
• The committee supports greater focus on pen-and-paper exams, citing the relative security of CBSE and UPSC exams.

Detailed Insights:

• The committee, led by Digvijaya Singh, observed that delays in exam results not only postpone admissions but also delay the start of academic sessions, putting pressure on students.
• In JEE Main 2025, at least 12 questions were withdrawn due to errors, further eroding examinee confidence in the system.
• The committee was informed about the vulnerability of computer-based tests to hacking, which is difficult to detect.
• The committee reviewed the Draft UGC Regulations, 2025, which faced opposition for potentially giving too much control to the Chancellor/Visitor in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors.
• The UGC reported receiving over 15,000 feedback responses on the draft regulations and is currently considering them before finalization.
• The committee suggested that the UGC should discuss the draft regulations with CADE to ensure comprehensive stakeholder consultation.
• The panel also recommended that the UGC consider recognizing Sonam Wangchuk’s institute, ‘Alternatives, Ladakh’, and explore replicating its model elsewhere.

Key Concepts Involved:

• NTA (National Testing Agency): An agency responsible for conducting entrance examinations for higher education institutions in India.
• CUET (Common University Entrance Test): A national-level test for admissions to various undergraduate and postgraduate programs in central universities.
• UGC (University Grants Commission): A statutory body responsible for the coordination, determination, and maintenance of standards of university education in India.