NTA not to conduct any recruitment exam: The National Testing Agency (NTA) will no longer conduct recruitment exams from 2025 onwards and will focus solely on higher education entrance examinations. This significant change was announced by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on December 17. The decision comes after controversies related to exam leaks, such as the NEET medical entrance exam leak and numerous exam cancellations over the past few years. Candidates getting ready for tests such as CUET, JEE, and NEET can anticipate improved procedures and increased security measures in the years ahead.
The restructuring aims to enhance the integrity and efficiency of entrance exams conducted by the NTA, including major tests like NEET, JEE, and CUET. Pradhan emphasized that NTA's operations would undergo significant modifications in 2025 to support its renewed focus. The department is also exploring advanced testing technologies, including computer-adaptive testing, to improve accuracy and reliability.
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET)-UG will be held every year. Pradhan also confirmed that the JEE examination would be held in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format. Discussions are underway between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health to decide whether NEET will transition from the traditional pen-and-paper mode to a CBT format. "The suitable method for carrying out NEET will be decided according to the requirements of the health department," Pradhan stated. These reforms represent a crucial change in the NTA’s function, strengthening its dedication to upholding the highest standards in entrance examinations for higher education.
The senior committee, chaired by Professor K. Radhakrishnan, has played a crucial role in influencing these reforms. Over 30 sittings have been held with various stakeholders, including state officials, law enforcement agencies, and student focus groups, to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing examination challenges.