NEET-UG crisis response: NTA introduces digital training for officials

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has launched a dedicated digital training programme for examination officials on the iGOT Karmayogi Bharat platform, aimed at strengthening the conduct and supervision of major national examinations, including NEET-UG. The initiative is designed to improve the skills, preparedness and accountability of personnel involved in exam administration across the country.

Titled “Pariksha Karmayogi: Capacity-Building Programme for Examination Officials”, the course focuses on ensuring the smooth, secure and standardised conduct of offline, pen-and-paper examinations. According to the NTA, the programme is intended to build a uniform framework for exam operations and enhance procedural compliance at examination centres.

The training is specifically targeted at examination functionaries such as Centre Superintendents and Invigilators who play a direct role in conducting exams like NEET-UG. Officials are expected to benefit from structured learning that covers the entire examination process, from preparation to post-exam procedures.

The programme is divided into four modules. The first introduces the role of examination officials and highlights their responsibility in maintaining fairness, transparency and integrity. The second module focuses on pre-exam preparation, including centre readiness, security arrangements and adherence to standard operating procedures. The third module deals with examination-day operations, covering activities before the exam begins, procedures at the start, monitoring during the examination, and post-exam protocols. The final module acts as a quick reference guide, summarising key instructions and responsibilities for easy recall.

Hosted on the iGOT Karmayogi Bharat platform, the course allows self-paced learning and includes assessment-based certification for participants. The NTA said this will help ensure standardised training for examination staff across India, improving consistency and efficiency in exam conduct.

The agency has emphasised that well-trained personnel are essential for conducting large-scale national examinations fairly and efficiently. It added that the initiative reflects its continued effort to use technology for capacity building and to strengthen the examination ecosystem through certified and trained manpower.

The announcement comes amid heightened focus on NEET-UG following recent disruptions. The examination, conducted on May 3, was later cancelled on May 12 after allegations of a paper leak. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently investigating the matter, and a retest has been scheduled for June 21.

Overall, the NTA’s new initiative is aimed at reinforcing trust, transparency and standardisation in India’s examination system by ensuring that officials involved in conducting exams are properly trained and certified.
(With PTI inputs)