Public Exam Reforms: Centre Invites Suggestions Till September 13

The Centre has launched a public consultation to gather suggestions on comprehensive reforms aimed at making the country’s public examination system more secure, transparent, equitable and future-ready. Students, parents, teachers, academic institutions, experts and other stakeholders have been invited to share their experiences and recommendations on improving the way examinations are designed, conducted and governed. Suggestions can be submitted until September 13.

The consultation is being conducted by a High-Powered Task Force chaired by Nandan Nilekani. The panel has been examining the institutional systems and processes involved in public examinations, including those conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Its work focuses on strengthening examination integrity and security while also exploring ways to improve technology, infrastructure, accessibility and inclusion across the examination process.

The task force has sought participation from a broad range of stakeholders, including students and candidates, parents, teachers and academic institutions. Examination-conducting and test-indenting bodies, subject matter experts, technology professionals, industry organisations and civil society groups have also been encouraged to provide their views. The government believes that practical experiences from these groups can help identify weaknesses in the existing system and develop measures that address concerns faced by candidates and institutions.

Also Read: Nandan Nilekani To Head Government Panel Seeking Overhaul Of India’s Examination System

Stakeholders can submit suggestions on several areas, including the conduct and security of public examinations and the design of question papers and assessment methods. The consultation also covers governance, accountability and institutional arrangements, along with measures for preventing, detecting and addressing examination malpractice. Suggestions relating to grievance redressal and transparent communication between examination authorities and candidates are also being sought.

The task force is additionally examining the role of technology in strengthening examinations, including the use of secure computer-based testing systems. It is considering ways to create and expand examination infrastructure while ensuring that candidates from different social, economic, regional and linguistic backgrounds have fair access to examination facilities. Measures aimed at protecting student well-being throughout the examination process are also part of the consultation.

Suggestions can be submitted in English, Hindi and regional languages through the official public consultation mechanism. Stakeholders can also send their views through the designated phone number, WhatsApp service or email provided for the exercise. The responses received during the consultation will be considered by the High-Powered Task Force while preparing its recommendations for the government. The broader objective is to develop a public examination framework that combines stronger security and accountability with fairness, accessibility and greater confidence among students and other stakeholders.

Also Read: NTA Removes 600 Experts, Introduces Four-Tier Paper Checking System