On October 9, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports, chaired by Mukul Wasnik, submitted its 382nd report to the Rajya Sabha Chairman. This report focuses on reforms and strengthening of the National Testing Agency (NTA) under the Ministry of Education’s Department of Higher Education.
Reforms Proposed for Question Paper Preparation and Exam Conduct
The committee recommended creating a large, diverse, and regularly updated question bank as the most effective long-term solution to prevent paper leaks. Instead of preparing question papers long before exams, they should be set shortly before the exam and thoroughly reviewed by experts to ensure integrity.
The report emphasized conducting exams in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format, which eliminates the need for printing and transporting physical papers. Therefore, question papers can be prepared during the exam period itself. Experts involved in setting the papers must be completely isolated until the exams conclude.
Strengthening NTA’s Infrastructure and Processes
The committee advised that NTA should rely on experts from premier institutions such as IITs, AIIMS, and IIMs to develop and translate question banks. It also supported moving NEET-UG and other exams gradually to CBT mode, allowing multiple shifts with proper independent auditing and clear communication regarding score normalization.
For secure and controlled conduct of exams, the report proposed establishing over 1,000 government-run CBT centers, ensuring at least one center in every district. It also recommended creating a national blacklist of exam agencies and setting up a dedicated permanent cadre, since more than 40% of key NTA positions remain vacant, with only 23 out of 39 approved posts currently filled.
The committee cautioned against excessive frisking and intrusive checks on candidates during exams, as these create a negative environment. It suggested setting aside separate 15-minute periods before or after exams for security checks, rather than conducting them during exam time. Moreover, the panel praised NTA for not experiencing any paper leaks in its exams since its establishment and until 2025.
Students who arrive late should be allowed to enter and attempt the exam only for the remaining duration, without any extra time. Additionally, the panel proposed banning public rallies, processions, or large events on exam days to avoid disturbances.
Focusing on major exams like the Civil Services exam, the committee recommended that NTA consider a two-tier exam system instead of a single-phase test. For medical courses, a common preliminary exam may be held, followed by separate main exams for specific courses.
Finally, the committee urged NTA to limit the number of attempts for NEET undergraduate exams and develop an institutional culture where every official—from the director general to invigilators—views themselves as guardians of exam fairness and integrity rather than mere administrators.
The committee’s report was compiled after consulting the Secretary of Higher Education, Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, NTA’s Chairman and Director General, former Secretary Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, and other experts. The report was reviewed and accepted during a meeting held on August 25.
