19th December 2024 (15 Topics)
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Restructuring of National Testing Agency (NTA)
Context
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to undergo significant changes starting in the coming year, focusing exclusively on conducting higher education entrance exams. This decision follows recommendations from a high-level committee chaired by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan, which was tasked with addressing issues like exam leaks, technical glitches, and a lack of transparency in the examination process.
Key Recommendations and Changes:
The restructuring will allow NTA to focus on enhancing the quality and reliability of exams such as NEET-UG 2025, CUET-UG 2025, and UGC NET 2025, while relinquishing its role in recruitment exams.
- Focus on Higher Education Entrance Exams: The NTA will no longer conduct recruitment exams, streamlining its operations to improve the conduct of exams for admission into higher education institutions.
- Multi-Level Exam Format: A multi-stage examination system has been proposed, particularly for NEET UG, to ensure comprehensive and fair testing.
- The committee suggested introducing a Digi-exam system, incorporating multi-session testing, and expanding testing centers to enhance accessibility and efficiency.
- Expansion of Testing Centres: The panel proposed leveraging institutions like Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and reputable universities to create a network of about 400-500 testing centers within a year. This network would significantly increase the testing capacity, enabling the conduct of Computer-Based Tests (CBT) with a capacity of 2-2.5 lakh candidates in one session nationwide.
- Permanent Staffing Recommendations: Rather than making the staff permanent, the committee recommended longer tenure for executives and domain experts, with attractive service conditions. This change aims to improve the continuity and efficiency of the agency's operations.
- Restructuring NTA’s Governing Body: The committee emphasized the need for an empowered and accountable governing body for the NTA. The body would consist of three sub-committees focused on test audits, ethics and transparency, and stakeholder relationships, ensuring that the exam processes are robust and trustworthy.
- Oversight of Coaching Centres: A system for the oversight of coaching centers has been proposed to mitigate any unfair advantages and maintain the integrity of the exam process.
- Security and Transparency Enhancements: The committee also suggested strengthening security protocols related to the paper-setting process and other critical aspects of the exams to prevent irregularities and leaks.
Fact Box: National Testing Agency
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