Executive Summary:
The Ministry of Education addressed concerns regarding the National Testing Agency (NTA) following complaints about technical issues and procedural delays in examinations. A High-Level Committee of Experts (HLCE) was formed on June 22, 2024, to review NTA's processes and submitted its report on October 21, 2024, recommending reforms. The government is implementing measures to enhance transparency, accountability, and grievance redressal within the NTA.
Key Points / Main Content:
NTA Overview:
* Established in 2018, NTA has conducted over 250 examinations involving over 5.5 crore candidates.
* Major examinations conducted include JEE Main, CUETPG, NEETUG, UGCNET, and CUETUG.
* NTA addresses queries/complaints/grievances through its helpdesk.
* Issues related to questions/keys are resolved through an Answer Key Challenge Process.
High-Level Committee of Experts (HLCE) Recommendations:
* Reformation of National Common Entrance Testing including strengthening of NTA
* Institutional linkage with States
* Involvement of Test Indenting Agencies as Knowledge and Examinations partner
* Recommended Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to prevent breaches in Pen and Paper Test (PPT) and Computer Based Test (CBT) examinations.
* Guidelines for Question Paper Setting and Vetting as per defined protocols.
* Detailed framework on Testing Centre Allocation Policy.
* AI/ML based technology power for Grievance Reporting and Redressal Cell.
Strengthening of NTA:
* 16 new posts created (8 Director, 8 Joint Director).
* Institutional linkages with States and Districts established.
* High-Powered Steering Committee, chaired by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, is overseeing the implementation of reforms.
Impact Analysis:
Students/Candidates:
* Impact: Enhanced transparency, fairness, and efficiency in examination processes, improved grievance redressal mechanisms, and prevention of irregularities.
* Action Required: Utilize the improved grievance redressal mechanisms for any concerns.
National Testing Agency (NTA):
* Impact: Structural changes, increased staffing, and revised operational procedures to improve examination conduct and address grievances.
* Action Required: Implement the recommendations of the HLCE report, including SOPs, testing center allocation policies, and technology enhancements.
Ministry of Education:
* Impact: Oversight and accountability for the conduct of national-level examinations.
* Action Required: Oversee and support the implementation of the reforms recommended by the HLCE.
Test Indenting Agencies:
* Impact: Potential involvement as Knowledge and Examinations partner.
* Action Required: Prepare to engage in the reformed National Common Entrance Testing process, contributing expertise and resources as required.
States and Districts:
* Impact: Institutional linkages with NTA to enhance the examination process.
* Action Required: Collaborate with NTA to implement the reforms and ensure smooth conduct of examinations at the state and district levels.
Key Entities Referenced
National Testing Agency (NTA): A specialized organization established in 2018 to conduct examinations for Admission/Fellowship in Higher Education Institutions.
Ministry of Education: The government ministry responsible for education in India.
JEE Main: A major examination conducted by NTA for admission to engineering colleges.
CUETPG: A major examination conducted by NTA for postgraduate admissions in central universities.
NEETUG: A major examination conducted by NTA for undergraduate medical admissions.
UGCNET: A major examination conducted by NTA to determine the eligibility for the post of Assistant Professor and/or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges.
CUETUG: A major examination conducted by NTA for undergraduate admissions in central universities.
High-Level Committee of Experts (HLCE): A committee constituted by the Ministry of Education on 22.06.2024 to suggest measures for transparent, smooth, and fair conduct of examinations by NTA. The committee submitted its report on 21.10.2024.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-2465
ANSWERED ON- 04/08/2025
Review of National Testing Agency (NTA)
2465. Shri Sasikanth Senthil:
Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has received complaints regarding technical glitches, question
paper discrepancies or procedural delays in examinations conducted by the National
Testing Agency (NTA) during the current year, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government proposes to undertake a comprehensive review on the operational
procedures and governance structure of the NTA;
(c) if so, the details thereof including the timeline and scope of such review;
(d) whether any steps have been taken/proposed to be taken to enhance transparency
accountability and grievance redressal mechanisms within the NTA, if so, the details
thereof;
(e) whether the Government has constituted or proposes to constitute any enquiry or Expert
Committee to examine the conduct of recent examinations held by NTA, if so, the details
thereof; and
(f) whether the Government has considered any institutional reforms or structural changes to
strengthen the functioning of NTA, if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
(DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)
(a) to (f): The National Testing Agency (NTA) was established in 2018 as a specialized
organization to conduct examinations for Admission/Fellowship in Higher Education
Institutions. Since its inception in 2018, NTA has successfully conducted over 250
examinations involving over 5.5 crore candidates.
The major examinations conducted by NTA since January 2025 include JEE (Main),
CUET(PG), NEET(UG), UGC-NET, CUET(UG) among others. The aforesaid examinations
have been conducted successfully and results of the same have also been declared. NTA has
informed that NTA helpdesk receives queries/complaints/grievances regarding examinations,
which are redressed as per established procedure. Complaints relating to technical glitches have
also been redressed in accordance with factual ground reports, while ensuring that the interest
of all candidates is protected. Any issues related to Questions/Keys are transparently settled bysubject experts through the Answer Key Challenge Process. Overall process of examinations
has been conducted by NTA successfully.
In order to suggest effective measures for transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations
by NTA, the Ministry of Education constituted a High-Level Committee of Experts (HLCE)
on 22.06.2024. The Committee has submitted its report on 21.10.2024 and has recommended
Reformation of National Common Entrance Testing including strengthening of NTA,
institutional linkage with States, involvement of Test Indenting Agencies as Knowledge and
Examinations partner etc.
The HLCE has also laid out measures and recommended Standard Operating Procedures
(SOPs) to prevent breaches in both Pen and Paper Test (PPT) and Computer Based Test (CBT)
examinations. Guidelines for Question Paper Setting and Vetting as per defined protocols have
also been recommended. Further, besides other recommendations, the HLCE has called for
detailed framework to be developed on Testing Centre Allocation Policy to prevent any unusual
pattern of test centre allocation to students. The HLCE has called for Grievance Reporting and
Redressal Cell of NTA to be equipped with AI/ML- based technology power to quickly assess
and provide a response to the stakeholder query/complaint within a reasonable time frame.
For strengthening of the NTA, 16 new posts have been created in NTA, 8 each at the Director
and Joint Director levels. Institutional linkages with States and Districts have been established.
A High-Powered Steering Committee, chaired by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, former Chairman,
I.S.R.O. is already constituted to oversee the implementation of reforms in the conduct of
national-level examinations by the NTA.
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