SBI Research has called for the establishment of a separate legal framework for the National Testing Agency (NTA), suggesting that it transition from its current status as a society under the Societies Registration Act to a statutory body formed by an Act of Parliament. This proposal was presented amid ongoing examinations regarding irregularities in major entrance tests in India. As of July 2024, the NTA has facilitated over 240 examinations involving approximately 5.4 crore candidates, indicating the necessity for a clearly defined legal mandate that governs its responsibilities and accountability.

The proposed legislation would be distinct from the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which is primarily focused on curbing malpractice during examinations. The reform agenda is timely, considering the increasing scrutiny faced by the examination system in the country.

The modifications suggested aim to enhance the operational framework of the NTA, ensuring clarity in governance and performance. This legal transition is expected to solidify the NTA’s foundation and improve public trust in its operations.

Creation of an Independent Board for Oversight

The report from SBI Research further proposes the formation of an independent board for the NTA, comprising experts from various relevant fields such as assessment, technology, security, and logistics. This board would play a crucial role in overseeing the agency’s operations and ensuring examination readiness. The proposal emphasises the importance of maintaining independence in oversight to mitigate any conflicts between routine management and institutional governance.

Under this structure, the Director General or Chief Executive Officer would retain control of day-to-day activities, but their role would be strategically aligned under the board’s guidance. This new oversight arrangement aims to bolster the integrity of the examination processes while enabling effective management.

The introduction of an independent board reflects a growing recognition of the need for diverse expertise within the NTA, which is crucial for enhancing examination standards and security. Ensuring the agency’s operational efficacy is vital for building stakeholder confidence in examination credibility.

Focus on Permanent Professional Expertise and Standards Body

SBI Research has highlighted the necessity of establishing a permanent professional core team within the NTA, aimed at fostering in-house expertise in key areas such as assessment and examination security. The report indicates that reducing dependence on external service providers will strengthen the agency’s capacity to manage critical examination functions independently.

Moreover, the research outlines the creation of an independent Standards and Appeals Body, tasked with auditing examination processes and handling administrative appeals for serious cases. This body would ensure that candidates have efficient channels for addressing grievances, thereby reinforcing fairness and transparency in the examination framework.

The recommendations also draw parallels with successful models from other countries, such as China’s Gaokao, which possesses extensive experience in managing large-scale examination processes. Learning from such international frameworks could offer valuable insights for improving India’s examination system.

Comprehensive Reforms in Higher Education Funding and Vocational Training

Furthermore, the report highlights the need for accelerated expansion in vocational training, indicating that the percentage of young Indians receiving vocational education has increased from 7.1 per cent in 2018 to 30.7 per cent in 2025. However, it calls for enhanced efforts to bridge the gap between education and labour market needs.

Overall, the proposed reforms aim to create a more robust framework for examinations and higher education, aspiring to improve access, quality, and relevance in the educational landscape of India.

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