A committee of Parliament members has raised serious concerns about the **National Testing Agency (NTA)**. This committee, called the **Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education**, said that NTA "has not inspired much confidence." It has asked NTA to consider going back to **pen-and-paper exams** instead of computer-based tests for major entrance exams across India.
The committee, led by **Digvijaya Singh**, closely reviewed how NTA conducted competitive exams in **2024**. They found that out of **14 exams**, at least **five** had "major issues." These problems included exams being delayed without clear reasons, exam papers leaking before the test, and results coming out much later than planned. Such issues create major stress for students and their families.
Key Problems Found in NTA Exams (2024)
The committee pointed out several specific issues that directly affected many students' chances to study further or get jobs:
| Exam Name | Main Problem |
| NEET-UG | Serious paper leak incident |
| UGC-NET | Exam postponed after initial schedule |
| CSIR-NET | Exam postponed after initial schedule |
| NEET-PG | Exam postponed after initial schedule |
| CUET (UG/PG) | Results declared much later than expected |
| JEE Main 2025 (January) | 12 questions removed due to errors found in the final answer key |
These repeated problems reduce trust in the fairness of the exams. Students prepare for months or years, and such issues cause them stress, uncertainty, and can impact their entire academic year.
Committee's Suggestions for a Better Exam System
To make exams fair, safe, and reliable, the Parliament committee gave important suggestions. These are aimed at improving how NTA manages exams and ensuring students do not suffer due to system failures:
- Return to Pen-and-Paper Exams: The committee strongly suggested that NTA should bring back traditional pen-and-paper tests. They highlighted that major exams conducted by the **Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)** for school boards and the **Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)** for government jobs have used this method for many years and remained secure. This method is seen as more reliable in preventing leaks and technical errors.
- Computer Tests Only in Government Centres: If NTA continues to use computer-based tests (CBTs), these should only be held in centres directly controlled by the government. The committee recommended completely stopping the use of private centres for these important tests, as private centres might be less secure or harder to monitor.
- Blacklist Dishonest Firms: The committee wants a clear, nationwide list of all companies or individuals involved in cheating or causing problems with exams. These blacklisted groups should not be allowed to work with NTA or any other exam body again. This step is crucial to prevent future exam irregularities and protect the integrity of the process.
- Improve NTA's Own Systems: The committee also suggested that NTA should use its extra funds to strengthen its internal ability. This includes hiring more trained staff, improving technology, and setting up better ways to check and manage all parts of exam administration.
How NTA's Money Can Be Used for Improvement
The committee examined NTA's financial records. Over the last **six years**, NTA collected about **Rs. 3512.9 crore** from exam application fees. It spent approximately **Rs. 3064.7 crore** during the same period. This means NTA had an extra amount, or surplus, of about **Rs. 448 crore**.
The committee recommends that NTA should not keep this surplus as profit. Instead, it should invest these funds directly into building its own capacity. This means using the money to upgrade exam infrastructure, improve security measures, train staff, and create stronger systems for monitoring and conducting tests. This investment will make the examination process more robust and reliable for all students in the future.
Impact on Students' Futures
Entrance exams like **NEET**, **JEE Main**, and **UGC-NET** are critical for students in India. They decide who gets admission to prestigious colleges and universities for medical, engineering, and other professional courses. Problems like postponements, paper leaks, or incorrect answer keys cause huge stress and disappointment for lakhs of students who spend years preparing. These issues can delay their academic progress, lead to unfair competition, and sometimes even force them to lose an entire year.
The Parliament committee's suggestions aim to make sure that these vital exams are fair and secure. This way, students can focus on their studies without worrying about problems with the exam system itself, allowing them to pursue their dreams confidently.
