New Delhi – The Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, has announced the formation of a High-Level Committee of Experts to oversee and enhance the transparency, efficiency, and security of examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This initiative aims to ensure a fair and smooth examination process across the country.

The committee, chaired by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, Former Chairman of ISRO and Chairman of the Board of Governors at IIT Kanpur, comprises distinguished members from various fields:

• Dr. Randeep Guleria, Former Director, AIIMS Delhi

• Prof. B J Rao, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Hyderabad

• Prof. Ramamurthy K, Professor Emeritus, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras

• Shri Pankaj Bansal, Co-Founder, People Strong and Board Member, Karmayogi Bharat

• Prof. Aditya Mittal, Dean of Student Affairs, IIT Delhi

• Shri Govind Jaiswal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Education

Mandate of the Committee:

1. Reform in Examination Process:

   • Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the examination process to enhance system efficiency and prevent breaches.

   • Review and strengthen the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protocols of the NTA, ensuring robust monitoring mechanisms for compliance at all levels.

2. Improvement in Data Security Protocols:

   • Evaluate current data security measures of the NTA and recommend improvements.

   • Assess and enhance security protocols for paper-setting and other examination-related processes.

3. Structure and Functioning of the NTA:

   • Recommend organizational restructuring of the NTA to implement the proposed examination and data security reforms.

   • Evaluate and improve the Grievance Redressal Mechanism of the NTA to ensure efficient resolution of issues.

The committee has been given a two-month timeframe to submit its report to the Ministry. It has the liberty to co-opt any Subject Matter Expert to assist in fulfilling its mandate.

This proactive measure by the Ministry of Education underscores its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of fairness and security in the examination process, reinforcing trust in the NTA’s operations.