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Amid concerns over irregularities in competitive examinations such as NEET-UG and UGC-NET, former UGC Chairman Prof. M. Jagadish Kumar has called for reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) rather than replacing it.
He has stressed that the priority should be to strengthen examination systems, improve coordination with states and make the process more secure, transparent and accountable.
The NTA conducts several major national-level examinations involving millions of students. Examination-related incidents, including paper leaks and other irregularities, should be addressed by identifying weaknesses at specific stages and strengthening those systems, rather than dismantling the entire agency.
Three Priorities for Safer Examinations
Stronger Digital Security: Examination systems should have better access controls and digital traceability to protect question papers and other sensitive materials.
Dedicated Expert Teams: A permanent team of specialists in cybersecurity, question-paper preparation, languages and data management can help improve examination security and efficiency.
Institutional Partnership: Educational institutions could focus on syllabus, question quality and academic expertise, while NTA manages secure examination platforms, centres, candidate verification and results.
Biometric verification, CCTV monitoring and digital tracking at examination centres should also be strengthened to prevent malpractice and improve accountability.
For students and parents, the larger message is clear: examination reforms must focus on fairness, security, transparency and accountability. A stronger system can help restore confidence and ensure that merit remains at the heart of competitive examinations.