A group of lawmakers in India, called the Parliamentary Standing Committee , has strongly criticized the National Testing Agency (NTA) . The NTA is the main body that conducts big exams like NEET , CUET , and UGC NET . The committee said NTA has faced many problems and disruptions in these important entrance exams. They have asked for big changes to make exams more reliable and fair for students.
Why the Committee Criticized NTA
The committee, led by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh , looked closely at how NTA conducts its exams. They found several issues causing trouble for students and making the exams unfair. These problems include:
- Cheating and unfair practices: Many cases of cheating have been reported in NTA-conducted exams.
- Recurring challenges: Exams often face disruptions and issues, making it hard for students to take tests smoothly.
- Lack of control: The committee believes NTA does not have enough control over the exam process, leading to these problems.
The report from the committee said NTA needs to improve its security and daily work to stop such issues. They want NTA to learn from other trusted exam bodies in India, like the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) and CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) . These bodies are known for conducting safer exams without major leaks or problems.
Key Suggestions from the Committee
To fix the problems, the Parliamentary Standing Committee has made important suggestions:
- Return to Pen-and-Paper Exams: The committee suggested that NTA should consider bringing back the traditional pen-and-paper method for exams instead of online computer-based tests. They believe this method offers better control and can help reduce cheating.
- Improve Control: NTA must find ways to have better control over all parts of the exam process. This includes setting up exams, keeping questions safe, and making sure rules are followed strictly.
- Blacklist Unfair Means: The committee wants NTA to take strong action against any person or group involved in cheating or unfair practices. They suggested that those caught should be blacklisted, meaning they will not be allowed to participate in future exams or work with NTA.
- Learn from Others: NTA should study how UPSC and CBSE manage their exams. These organizations have strong systems to ensure fairness and prevent leaks. NTA should use these proven methods to make its own exams more secure.
What This Means for NEET UG 2026
Students often wonder if exams like NEET will go back to the pen-and-paper format. The committee has only made a suggestion for this change. NTA has not yet said anything about changing the exam format for NEET UG 2026 or any other exam.
The decision to shift to a pen-and-paper format for NEET UG 2026 is not final. It depends on how the Indian government responds to the committee's report and what specific changes they decide in the coming months. For now, students should prepare for exams based on the current format. Any official changes will be announced by NTA or the government.
The committee wants NTA to fix its system to ensure all future exams are fair and reliable for every student.
