A high-level panel constituted by the Union education ministry to propose exam reforms and review the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA) will meet today, June 24, according to sources.
Amidst ongoing disputes over irregularities in competitive exams, the ministry announced on Saturday the formation of a seven member panel, led by former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Radhakrishnan. The panel's objective is to ensure transparent, smooth, and fair conduct of examinations through the NTA, as reported by the PTI.
"In an expedited action, the panel will have its first meeting tomorrow (Monday). The committee is slated to submit its report within two months. The reforms that were recommended will be implemented by the next exam cycle. The panel will also look into the exam calendar and make suggestions," a source said.
The panel will offer recommendations on reforms to the examination process, enhancement of data security protocols, and improvements to the structure and functioning of the NTA.
Other members of the panel include former AIIMS-Delhi director Randeep Guleria, University of Hyderabad Vice Chancellor BJ Rao, professor emeritus in IIT Madras' Department of Civil Engineering K Ramamurthy, People Strong co-founder and Karmayogi Bharat board member Pankaj Bansal, IIT Delhi Dean of Student Affairs Aditya Mittal, and Education Ministry Joint Secretary Govind Jaiswal, as per a PTI report.
The committee is also charged with examining current security protocols related to the setting of examination papers and other processes, making recommendations to strengthen the system's robustness.
The NTA has faced criticism over lapses in conducting the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) and the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET). On June 23, it conducted a retest for 1,563 candidates previously awarded grace marks due to time loss at six centres during the medical entrance exam.
While NEET UG 2024 is under scrutiny for several irregularities, including alleged paper leaks, the UGC NET 2024 was cancelled a day after it was conducted following reports that its integrity had been compromised.