NEW DELHI: In light of the controversy surrounding the NEET 2024 examination, the Ministry of Education has established a high-level committee of experts led by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan. This initiative aims to ensure that future examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) are transparent, smooth, and fair.

The seven-member committee held its inaugural meeting on June 24 at IIT Delhi. Tasked with recommending examination process reforms, the committee will focus on enhancing data security protocols and reviewing the structure and operations of the NTA. These reforms are expected to be implemented by the next exam cycle.

"This is a monumental task that requires thorough preparation to eliminate any loopholes. However, it is our top priority at the ministry. The panel will submit its report within two months, and we will develop an action plan to implement the reforms by the next exam cycle," an official stated.

K Radhakrishnan highlighted the importance of listening to students and parents to understand their concerns and gather suggestions. The panel plans to engage extensively with them to address challenges in the examination process, particularly amid allegations of irregularities in competitive exams like NEET and UGC-NET.

"Our top priority is to hear from students and parents across the country, understand their concerns, and gather their suggestions. Over the next two weeks, we aim to consolidate this feedback," Radhakrishnan told reporters.

"Our next step is to build a robust, tamper-proof system for conducting exams with zero errors, reducing stress for students while providing adequate flexibility," he added.

During the meeting, the committee also addressed cybersecurity issues and challenges posed by the darknet, which played a role in the UGC-NET exam question paper leak. The panel will make recommendations to improve data security protocols and the overall structure and functioning of the NTA.

The high-level panel will seek suggestions from students and parents to create a robust entrance examination system. Led by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan, the panel aims to ensure the transparent, smooth, and fair conduct of examinations through the NTA, amid questions about the integrity of tests like NEET UG and UGC NET due to allegations of paper leaks and other irregularities.

In addition to forming the panel, the central government has handed over the investigation into the NEET UG irregularities to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and replaced the Director General of the NTA.

On Monday, the CBI collected evidence related to the alleged NEET paper leak case from the Bihar Police. The Economic Offences Unit of Bihar had been investigating until the central agency took over, along with other cases in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Additionally, the Anti-Terrorism Squad of Maharashtra arrested a school principal from Latur and detained a teacher in connection with the paper leak case.

As the situation unfolds, the Ministry of Education and the high-level committee face immense pressure to restore trust in the examination system and ensure future exams are free from malpractice and irregularities. Students and parents nationwide await the committee's recommendations, hoping for a fairer and more secure examination process.