Education Reforms: Ministry's Panel to Address Exam Irregularities

The Education Ministry's panel on exam reforms, led by former ISRO chief R Radhakrishnan, is engaging with parents and students to address concerns over exam irregularities in NEET and NET. The panel aims to build a tamper-proof system and recommendations will be implemented by the next exam cycle.

The Education Ministry's panel on exam reforms, chaired by former ISRO chief R Radhakrishnan, will consult with parents and students to understand their concerns regarding the examination process, amid controversies over irregularities in competitive exams like NEET and NET, according to officials.

The seven-member committee convened for the first time on Monday evening. 'Our first priority is to gather concerns and suggestions from students and parents nationwide. We aim to engage directly with them or through electronic media, and consolidate this feedback within a fortnight,' Radhakrishnan told reporters on Tuesday.

'Our next priority is to swiftly establish a robust system for initiating the exams. We are looking towards a future where the system is tamper-proof, error-free, and reduces stress for students by incorporating adequate flexibility,' he added.

Sources at the meeting revealed that the committee reviewed the current situation and challenges faced by the National Testing Agency (NTA). 'The panel was informed about the NTA's processes, statistics on various exams, and the number of candidates per exam,' said a source.

The committee also examined cybersecurity issues, including threats from the darknet, which led to the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam. The panel's reforms are likely to be implemented by the next exam cycle.

'This is a monumental task that requires thorough preparation to eliminate loopholes. It is currently the top priority of the ministry. The panel will submit its report within two months, and we will draft an action plan to implement the reforms by the next exam cycle,' an anonymous official stated.

With NEET and NET under scrutiny for leaks, the Centre had notified the panel to ensure fair and transparent exams through the NTA. The panel will suggest improvements in the examination process, data security protocols, and the functioning of the NTA.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)