Centre Sets Up High-Level Committee To Ensure Transparent Conduct of NEET, UGC-NET Exams

Amid the high-voltage controversy surrounding the NEET and UGC-NET paper leak scam, the Ministry of Education announced on Saturday the formation of a high-level committee of experts to ensure the transparent, smooth, and fair conduct of examinations amid the ongoing NEET and UGC-NET controversies.

This expert panel will provide recommendations on reforming the examination process, enhancing data security protocols, and improving the structure and functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Photo Credit: PTI

The panel will be led by Dr. K Radhakrishnan, ex-ISRO chairperson and chairman of the board of governors at IIT Kanpur. Other members include:

Dr. Randeep Guleria, former director of AIIMS
Prof. BJ Rao, vice-chancellor of Central University of Hyderabad
Prof. Ramamurthy K, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Civil Engineering at IIT Madras
Pankaj Bansal, co-founder of People Strong and board member of Karmayogi Bharat
Prof. Aditya Mittal, Dean of Student Affairs at IIT Delhi

Govind Jaiswal, joint secretary at the Ministry of Education, will serve as the member secretary, reported Hindustan Times.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Education, the high-level panel will analyse the entire examination process and suggest measures to improve system efficiency. The panel will conduct a thorough review of the NTA's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and recommend ways to strengthen them. Additionally, the panel will propose monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance at every level.

The panel's tasks include recommending improvements to data security protocols, evaluating the NTA's existing data security processes, and suggesting enhancements. It will also make recommendations on the NTA's organisational structure and functioning, clearly defining roles and responsibilities at every level.

"The Committee shall submit its report to the Ministry within two months from the date of issue of this order," the education ministry statement added.