Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Announces High-Level Committee to Reform NEET Exams

New Delhi [India], June 22: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has announced the formation of a high-level committee to make recommendations on reforming the examination process, improving data security protocols, and enhancing the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA). This decision comes amid allegations of irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) Undergraduate exams, which have led to protests by candidates across the country.

Pradhan emphasized the government’s commitment to transparent, tamper-free, and zero-error examinations. He stated, “Setting up of the high-level committee of experts is the first of a series of steps to improve the efficiency of the examination process, put an end to all possible malpractices, strengthen data security protocols, and overhaul and reform the NTA. Student interests and their bright future will always be our government’s top priority.”

The Ministry of Education has constituted a 7-member committee led by former ISRO Chairman Dr. K Radhakrishnan. The committee will submit its report to the ministry within the next two months. The committee’s tasks include analyzing the end-to-end examination process, reviewing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protocols, and suggesting measures to improve data security and the overall efficiency of the NTA.

The committee will also examine the structure and functioning of the NTA, make recommendations on organizational improvements, and assess the current Grievance Redressal Mechanism to enhance its efficiency. The committee can co-opt any Subject Matter Expert to assist them in their work.

The NTA has faced criticism over alleged irregularities in this year’s NEET Undergraduate exams and NET exam, leading to several protests and demands to disband the NTA. An unprecedented 67 students achieved a perfect score of 720 marks out of 720, adding to the concerns.