New Delhi: Amid the ongoing crisis surrounding allegations of paper leaks, the Ministry of Education has taken action by forming a high-level committee of experts to address concerns related to the examination process, data security protocols, and the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Leading this committee is Dr. K Radhakrishnan, former Chairman of ISRO, who will oversee a comprehensive review and provide recommendations within the next two months.

The NTA has come under fire recently due to alleged irregularities in this year's National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) and NET exams, sparking protests nationwide and calls for the disbandment of the agency.

"In order to ensure transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations through National Testing Agency (NTA), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education constituted a High-Level Committee of Experts to make recommendations on Reform in mechanism of examination process improvement in data security protocols and structure and functioning of National Testing Agency," the ministry stated.

This statement follows an announcement by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan earlier in the week regarding the formation of a committee to investigate the operations of the NTA and propose necessary reforms.

In addition to Dr. K Radhakrishnan, the committee includes prominent figures such as Dr. Randeep Guleria, Former Director of AIIMS Delhi; Prof. B J Rao, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Hyderabad; Prof. Ramamurthy K, Professor Emeritus, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras; Pankaj Bansal, Co-Founder, People Strong and Board Member- Karmayogi Bharat; Prof. Aditya Mittal, Dean Student Affairs, IIT Delhi; and Govind Jaiswal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India (Member Secretary).

According to the ministry, the committee's scope includes a thorough analysis of the examination process to enhance efficiency and prevent potential breaches. It will also review and strengthen the SOPs and protocols of the NTA, implementing rigorous monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance at all levels.

Moreover, the committee will evaluate existing data security measures within the NTA and recommend improvements to fortify these protocols. It will examine the security protocols involved in paper-setting and other examination processes, proposing measures to bolster the system's resilience.

The committee will also address the organizational structure and operational procedures of the NTA, defining clear roles and responsibilities for effective implementation of reforms.

"The Committee shall submit its report to the Ministry within two months from the date of issue of this order. The Committee can co-opt any Subject Matter Expert to assist them," the ministry concluded.

With ANI inputs