What has happened so far in Nilekani-led NEET reforms as panel prepares report

The court has asked the DoPT joint secretary assisting the panel to file an affidavit detailing the steps taken so far.

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Supreme Court wants permanent NTA structure

The court said institutionalising the NEET process is the most important issue. It stressed the need for a permanent structure, including permanent staff and dedicated verticals, with minimal deputation. The Centre said the upgraded NTA system has ensured permanency of the structure, although human resources are only partially in place.

The bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe also indicated that it would like to visit NTA’s newly upgraded facility to examine the systems put in place. The matter is being heard alongside petitions seeking reforms in the conduct and institutional structure of NEET.

NTA recruitment and staffing are being strengthened

NTA has been working on strengthening its leadership and workforce as part of the broader institutional reform programme. The agency has invited applications for several posts on deputation and has also issued recruitment and engagement notices for specialist roles.

Its current notices include vacancies related to areas such as assessment, research, psychometrics and information security.

Examination security is being expanded

NTA has floated tenders for several technology and security measures, including CBT infrastructure, NEET-UG CCTV, face authentication, frisking and an external examination monitoring agency. The agency is also seeking outsourced manpower and comprehensive printing services.

NEET-UG move to computer-based testing ‘very soon’

NTA Director General Abhishek Singh has said NEET-UG will move to CBT “very soon”. NTA already conducts JEE, UGC-NET and CUET in CBT mode. The Nilekani task force is examining the transition, which would require expansion of secure centres, computing infrastructure and safeguards.

AI is being explored for exam security

NTA is also examining the use of AI and analytics to study examination logs, identify irregular patterns and detect possible fraud. The broader reform programme includes technology-enabled safeguards, biometric authentication and continuous monitoring.

NTA is looking beyond India

Singh has also said NTA eventually wants to explore cross-border examinations and share its testing framework with other countries. He pointed to China’s Gaokao and said BRICS countries could collaborate on examination security and question-paper technology. For now, he said, the priority remains strengthening India’s examination system.

(with PTI inputs)