The Education Ministry’s committee on exam reforms aims to engage directly with parents, students, and educators nationwide to comprehensively address their concerns and challenges surrounding the examination process. This initiative comes in response to recent controversies and allegations of irregularities in important examinations such as NEET and NET, which have raised significant public scrutiny.

Led by former ISRO chief R Radhakrishnan, the seven-member panel convened its inaugural meeting on Monday, emphasizing the importance of gathering extensive feedback from stakeholders through various means, including in-person interactions and digital platforms. Radhakrishnan highlighted the committee’s immediate priorities, including the establishment of a robust and tamper-proof examination system that prioritizes transparency and fairness while minimizing the stress faced by students.

In addition to soliciting input from stakeholders, the committee conducted a detailed review of the current operations and processes of the National Testing Agency (NTA). This review included an examination of exam formats, cybersecurity protocols, and measures to prevent breaches such as those seen on the darknet, where exam papers were allegedly leaked.

The panel, comprising experts from diverse backgrounds including academia and industry, is tasked with recommending reforms that will enhance the integrity and efficiency of the examination process administered by the NTA. These reforms are expected to be implemented in time for the next exam cycle, ensuring that students across the country can undertake their exams with confidence in a secure and fair environment.

The committee’s comprehensive approach underscores the ministry’s commitment to addressing the challenges and shortcomings in the current examination system, thereby laying the foundation for a more reliable and equitable educational assessment framework.

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