'Overhaul National Testing Agency, adopt UPSC model'; SC tells central government

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court ordered the overhaul of the National Testing Agency (NTA), which was tarnished by the NEET UG question paper leak and the UGC NET exam conduct scandal.

The government is only trying to address the shortcomings in the conduct of the exam. However, the Supreme Court demanded that the institution's operating system itself be changed. The court should be informed of its timing and schedule.

A well-equipped operating system with constant upgradation is needed. It should become an institution supervised by technically skilled and experienced senior officials. Employees should be given constant training. The Supreme Court also asked the officials to adopt the UPSC model. The court criticised that only on paper there is safety regarding the conduct of the exam but not in reality.

“It should have infrastructure, human resources, the best technical system, and its own database. What follow-up action was taken on the report submitted by the high-powered committee headed by former ISRO Chairman Dr K. Radhakrishnan? The Union Higher Education Secretary should file an affidavit in this regard within three weeks.” A bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe directed that the time frame for implementing the reforms be explained.

The NTA reiterated in court the security measures taken for the preparation of the question paper to prevent leakage. Meanwhile, the NTA office may shift from Okhla in Delhi to a new building on Minto Road.

(Court asks NTA)

1. Does NTA have adequate physical infrastructure and staff?

2. How many senior officials are there?

3. How many recently appointed officials have taken charge?

4. Does it have a separate office building?

5. Does it have its own database to store examination information?

6. Have you developed your own software for conducting examinations?

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the NTA, informed that preparing its own database is under consideration.