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The National Testing Agency (NTA) will be going through a big change starting in 2025. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the NTA will focus exclusively on conducting entrance exams for higher education institutions and will no longer conduct recruitment exams. This pivotal decision aims to streamline the agency’s focus and enhance the quality of the examination process for students.
NTA’s Focus to Shift Solely to Higher Education
Pradhan shared the news during a press briefing, stating that “NTA will be limited to conducting only entrance exams for higher education and will not conduct any recruitment exams from next year.” This change comes amidst ongoing concerns over exam integrity and efforts to make the testing process more efficient and secure.
The Minister emphasized that the NTA’s restructured focus will include entrance exams such as NEET, JEE, and CUET. By dedicating its resources solely to these high-stakes assessments, the NTA aims to enhance the student experience and improve examination outcomes.
Transition to Technology-Driven Exams
Pradhan further highlighted the government’s plans to introduce more technology-driven examination systems. Discussions are underway about adopting computer-adaptive tests, a progressive move toward tech-enabled education.
The Ministry is also collaborating with the Health Ministry to decide whether the NEET-UG exam should transition to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format or continue in the traditional pen-and-paper mode. The detailed modalities for the NEET-UG format are expected to be announced within the next two to three weeks.
Strengthening the NTA’s Framework
As part of the restructuring, ten new positions will be created to bolster the NTA’s capabilities. The government is set to implement the recommendations of the committee led by former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan. These include ensuring secured storage of question papers and utilizing government educational institutions and infrastructure to uphold exam sanctity. Pradhan assured that the recommendations will be implemented “in letter and spirit” to maintain the reliability and fairness of the examination system.
NTA Grievance Redressal Mechanism
Acknowledging student concerns, the NTA will establish a robust Grievance Reporting and Redressal Cell. This mechanism aims to address issues more effectively, ensuring a student-centric approach in the revamped framework.
NTA Big Changes
The announcement follows recent controversies surrounding exam integrity, including allegations of a NEET-UG paper leak and the cancellation of several exams due to malpractices. These reforms are seen as a direct response to these challenges, marking a renewed commitment to safeguarding the credibility of India’s national examinations.
With its renewed focus, the NTA aims to become a globally recognized agency, fostering trust among students and educational institutions alike while ensuring a seamless and transparent examination process.