Time for a complete overhaul of the NTA

Every examination is a step towards greater heights. Candidates approach them with confidence and hope, believing that fair and reliable systems will help them move towards success. Whether it is an entrance examination, an annual examination or a PSC test, candidates cannot accept irregularities or malpractice. Such failures can disrupt not just an examination but their lives and future.

The nationwide protests and political controversy triggered by the NEET question paper leak and the lapses in the conduct of the UGC-NET examination are still fresh in our memory. The protests were unlike anything seen before over examination-related irregularities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre had assured the public that such incidents would not be repeated.

Students' hopes and futures were put at stake by failures in the examination system. The Supreme Court has now expressed dissatisfaction with the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA), which has faced criticism over its ability to conduct major examinations efficiently. The apex court said the NTA needs a complete overhaul and that merely addressing individual shortcomings in the conduct of examinations would not be enough. Its entire system of functioning must change. The government must also inform the court about a timeline for implementing the reforms. What is needed is a strong and constantly evolving system for conducting examinations. The NTA should become an institution supervised by people with technical expertise, experience and capable senior officials. The Supreme Court also pointed out the need for regular training for employees, saying the lack of such training had contributed to the problems.

The court suggested that the NTA could take the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) as a model. One of the court's key observations was that examination-related safeguards appear to be secure only on paper. Governments often view every issue through a political lens. Their focus can sometimes be more on avoiding political damage than finding a lasting solution.

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to ensure that the NTA has adequate infrastructure, human resources, advanced technology and its own database. The court's question about the action taken on the report submitted by the high-level committee headed by former ISRO chairman Dr K Radhakrishnan is particularly significant. The Centre's Higher Education Secretary has been directed to submit an affidavit within three weeks detailing the action taken on the committee's recommendations. A bench comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe has also sought a clear timeline for implementing the proposed reforms.

The NTA has repeatedly told the court that security measures, starting from the preparation of question papers, have been strengthened to prevent leaks. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the NTA, said the agency was considering the creation of its own database. The Supreme Court had also asked the Centre whether the NTA has its own database to store examination-related information and whether it has developed its own software for conducting examinations.

It will take time for the NTA to overcome the damage caused to its reputation by question paper leaks and failures in the conduct of examinations. The Centre must take strong and lasting steps to ensure that such incidents, which have caused anxiety among an entire generation of students, are never repeated. The Supreme Court's directions could pave the way for such reforms.