National Testing Agency (NTA)

What are the challenges in conducting tests for higher levels of education in India?

To assess competence of candidates for admissions and recruitment has always been a challenge in terms of matching with research based international standards, efficiency, transparency and error free delivery.

Why is National Testing Agency set up in 2017?

The National Testing Agency is entrusted to address all such issues using best in every field, from test preparation, to test delivery and to test marking.

National Testing Agency (NTA) has been established as a premier, specialist, autonomous and self-sustained testing organization to conduct entrance examinations for admission/fellowship in higher educational institutions.

What exams does it conduct?

It will conduct entrance examinations for admission & fellowship in higher educational institutions in India. The NTA will conduct examinations such as - Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main, National Eligibility cum Entrance Examination (NEET), National Eligibility Test (NET), Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) and Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) exams from now on. National Eligibility Test (NET) December 2018, was the first exam conducted by the newly formed NTA.

What are its objectives?

Objectives:

• To conduct efficient, transparent and international standards tests in order to assess the competency of candidates for admission, and recruitment purposes.
• To undertake research on educational, professional and testing systems to identify gaps in the knowledge systems and take steps for bridging them.
• To identify experts and institutions in setting examination questions.
• To produce and disseminate information and research on education and professional development standards.
• To make examination smart and less stressful.

How does it guarantee integrity in the examination process? Give an example.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) used geo-fencing devices for secured delivery of question papers for NEET (UG) 2019. This is for the first time in India, the question papers in sealed enveloped were put into boxes which were attached to devices programmed to be opened at a designated centre and time. If any box was opened at a different place and time than the one designated, an alert would have gone to the headquarters. The candidates received question papers in sealed opaque envelope.