Education Ministry Constitutes to Reform Examination Process and Data Security in NTA

New Delhi: The education ministry on Saturday formed a seven-member panel led by former Isro chief K. Radhakrishnan to ensure transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations through the National Testing Agency (NTA) amid a row over irregularities in competitive exams NEET and NET.

Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the government was commited to transparent, tamper-free, and error-free examinations. "Setting up of the high-level committee of experts is the first of a series of steps to improve the efficiency of the examination process, put an end to all possible malpractices, strengthen data security protocols and overhaul and reform the NTA," Pradhan stated. He reiterated that the students' interests and their bright future remain the government's top priority.

The panel will provide recommendations on reforms in the examination process, improvements in data security protocols, and the structure and functioning of the NTA. It is expected to submit its report within two months.

The committee includes notable figures such as former AIIMS Delhi director Randeep Guleria, Central University of Hyderabad vice-chancellor B.J. Rao, IIT Madras Professor Emeritus K. Ramamurthy, People Strong co-founder and Karmayogi Bharat board member Pankaj Bansal, IIT Delhi Dean of Student Affairs Aditya Mittal, and ministry of education joint secretary Govind Jaiswal.

"The panel will analyse the end-to-end examination process and suggest measures to improve the system's efficiency and prevent any possible breaches. It will conduct a thorough review of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protocols of the NTA and suggest measures to strengthen these procedures along with a monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance at every level," the ministry of education stated.

The committee will also examine existing security protocols related to the setting of exam papers and other processes, making recommendations to enhance the robustness of the system.

The NTA, currently under scrutiny for lapses in NEET and UGC-NET, is set to conduct a retest on Sunday for 1,563 candidates who previously received grace marks due to time loss at six centers. NEET is under investigation for several irregularities, including alleged leaks, while the UGC-NET was canceled the day after it was conducted due to concerns about the exam's integrity.