NTA Surplus: Rs 448 Crore for Stronger Exam Systems

A parliamentary committee has urged the National Testing Agency (NTA) to use its Rs 448 crore surplus to strengthen examination systems. The NTA accumulated this amount over six years. The agency collected Rs 3,512.98 crore and spent Rs 3,064.77 crore on conducting exams.

Panel Calls for Exam System Overhaul

The committee's 381st Action Taken Report highlights ongoing exam irregularities. These issues persist despite recent government corrective measures. The panel agrees with the Education Minister that the NTA requires significant improvement.

The committee wants the NTA to speed up reforms recommended by a high-level expert committee. This group is led by former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan. A steering committee is already tracking these reforms. However, exam cancellations and paper leaks still cause student stress.

The committee asked the Department of Higher Education for a clear, time-bound reform roadmap. It also requested wider stakeholder consultations. The goal is to conduct competitive exams more reliably.

Vendor Oversight and Financials

Concerns were raised about private firms involved in exam processes. These include paper setting, management, and evaluation. The committee noted that firms blacklisted by one agency sometimes win contracts elsewhere.

To address this, the panel recommended a nationwide blacklist for such firms. The Department of Higher Education stated the NTA does not outsource core functions. Paper setting and evaluation remain in-house. The NTA maintains records of penalized vendors.

The department confirmed the NTA does not hire firms blacklisted by the agency. Bidders must declare any blacklisting by government bodies. The NTA is self-sustaining and receives no government funding.

NTA's Financial Operations

The NTA requires substantial funds annually. These cover exam center bookings, expert payments, software, and security. On average, about Rs 74.5 crore remains each year after expenses. This balance is typically used for the next exam cycle's preparation.

Any remaining funds after future planning can be used appropriately. The committee wants this surplus directed towards improving exam capacity and vendor monitoring.