'Stress-free, zero-error' exams in focus for NTA, says Pradhan

NEW DELHI: Signalling the next phase of reforms to be undertaken by the National Testing Agency, union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan told the TOI the focus will be on creating a “stress free exam”, which he described as the “biggest challenge for NTA”, alongside developing a global-standard SOP for conducting “zero error exams”. “Our next phase of reform is focused on making exams stress free for students while ensuring zero error in conduct. This is the biggest challenge before the NTA, and we are working towards a globally benchmarked system,” he said.The minister said the agency currently conducts tests for over one crore candidates annually and will have to “face the challenges and progress from the experiences so far”. “With over one crore candidates appearing in NTA exams, we must continuously learn from experience, address gaps, and strengthen systems to deliver fair, transparent and reliable assessments,” he said.The next phase follows the recommendations of the high-level committee chaired by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan, constituted in June 2024 after multiple disruptions in national-level entrance exams. The panel had submitted a set of recommendations on strengthening exam security, institutional restructuring, and improving transparency in evaluation and grievance redressal. “The reforms are guided by expert recommendations and are aimed at building a robust, technology-driven and accountable testing ecosystem,” Pradhan said.The reforms come in the backdrop of the NEET-UG 2024 episode involving allegations of paper leaks, the cancellation of UGC-NET in June 2024, and postponements of CSIR-NET and NEET-PG. Concerns over answer key discrepancies and delays in CUET results in subsequent cycles had also led to calls for systemic changes.Following the committee’s report, the education ministry has initiated structural and administrative measures to strengthen NTA. Sixteen new posts have been created to build in-house capacity and reduce dependence on temporary staff. A high-level steering committee has been tasked with monitoring the implementation of reforms.The ministry has also moved to standardise exam protocols across formats. “We are developing standard operating procedures of global standards so that every examination is conducted with precision, credibility and consistency across the country,” Pradhan said.The “stress free exam” and “zero error” focus is expected to translate into a mix of administrative, technological and student-facing interventions. Officials indicated that this could include tighter exam calendars to avoid overlap with board schedules, clearer and earlier communication to candidates, and streamlined admit card and centre allocation processes to reduce last-minute uncertainty. On the technical side, measures are likely to centre on multi-layered vetting of question papers, encrypted digital transmission for secure printing, real-time monitoring of centres, and stricter audit trails to minimise errors in evaluation and result processing. Strengthening grievance redressal with defined timelines and a single-window system is also expected to be part of the framework, aimed at reducing candidate anxiety while ensuring consistency and reliability in large-scale examinations.In parallel, exam infrastructure is being streamlined. According to a parliamentary panel report tabled in December 2025, nearly 94% of exam centres have been shifted to government or government-aided institutions, reducing reliance on private facilities.“Our objective is clear — students should focus only on their preparation, while the system ensures a seamless and trustworthy examination experience,” the minister said.