National Testing Agency: Inside Staffing and Core Operations

Over 170 employees at the National Testing Agency (NTA) are either contractual or outsourced staff, the Ministry of Education revealed in Parliament. Minister Sukanta Majumdar clarified that core activities like paper setting are not outsourced. The NTA faces scrutiny over exam security and functioning reforms are being considered.

The Ministry of Education disclosed that over 170 employees at the National Testing Agency (NTA) are contractual or outsourced staff. However, core activities such as setting question papers are not outsourced.

Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar responded to Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi's inquiry in the Lok Sabha about the NTA's staffing. Currently, 22 employees are on deputation, 39 are contractual, and 132 are outsourced. One employee has been absorbed from his parent department.

Majumdar emphasized that due to the sensitivity of competitive exams, various operational and security measures are in place. These include biometric capturing, frisking, CCTV surveillance, and AI analytics to prevent impersonation. Despite these measures, the NTA is under scrutiny for alleged irregularities, and a high-member panel has been set up to review its functioning and suggest reforms.

(With inputs from agencies.)