Panel suggests using NTA surplus to fix exam system

Updated at: June 18, 2026 at 01:45 PM

The National Testing Agency (NTA) in India is currently under intense scrutiny following a report from a parliamentary committee.

nounNational Testing Agency

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Despite existing reform efforts, the NTA continues to grapple with persistent issues like examination irregularities and paper leaks.

verbgrapple

Chaired by Digvijaya Singh, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education has proposed a strategic solution: utilizing the NTA's accumulated surplus of approximately ₹448 crore to overhaul the testing system.

verbpropose

nounsurplus

Instead of allowing these funds to sit idle, the committee recommends reinvesting the money into modern infrastructure, advanced cybersecurity, and better monitoring of third-party vendors.

verbreinvest

nouncybersecurity

The report emphasizes the need for accountability, urging the NTA to move away from heavy reliance on external firms.

nounaccountability

Furthermore, the committee has suggested creating a nationwide blacklist for underperforming vendors and adopting 'leak-resistant' models currently used by institutions like the UPSC.

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By prioritizing technological upgrades and in-house capabilities, the panel hopes to transform the NTA from a crisis-prone entity into a reliable institution capable of managing India’s massive testing requirements efficiently.

adverbefficiently

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Comprehension Questions

What is the primary recommendation of the parliamentary panel regarding the NTA's financial surplus?

To reinvest the surplus into strengthening infrastructure, technology, and vendor oversight.

To return the money to the students who paid examination fees.

To transfer the surplus funds directly to the national treasury for government projects.

Reveal Answer

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Correct Choice

To reinvest the surplus into strengthening infrastructure, technology, and vendor oversight.

Why does the committee suggest creating a nationwide blacklist of vendors?

To ensure that the government saves money on future contract costs.

To increase the competition among private testing firms.

To prevent vendors blacklisted by one entity from securing contracts with other organizations.

Reveal Answer

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Correct Choice

To prevent vendors blacklisted by one entity from securing contracts with other organizations.

According to the report, what is one way the NTA can improve its examination security?

By adopting leak-resistant models used by institutions like the UPSC and CBSE.

By completely outsourcing all testing operations to international agencies.

By eliminating all physical examination centers in favor of home-based testing.

Reveal Answer

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Correct Choice

By adopting leak-resistant models used by institutions like the UPSC and CBSE.

Which issue has significantly contributed to the erosion of public trust in the NTA?

A sudden decrease in the number of students applying for examinations.

High fees charged to students for entrance exams.

Persistent examination irregularities and instances of paper leaks.

Reveal Answer

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Correct Choice

Persistent examination irregularities and instances of paper leaks.

What is the committee's stance on the NTA's reliance on third-party vendors?

It believes third-party vendors should be the primary operators for all exams.

It suggests that only foreign vendors should be used to ensure quality.

It urges the NTA to reduce reliance on external support and build robust in-house capabilities.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

It urges the NTA to reduce reliance on external support and build robust in-house capabilities.

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