Parl panel recommends pen-paper based exams

There should be greater focus on conducting entrance exams in pen-and-paper mode as there are several models which have been leak-proof for several years like the CBSE boards and UPSC exams, a Parliamentary panel has recommended, while noting that the performance of the National Testing Agency (NTA) during the last year has not inspired much confidence.

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

The panel headed by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh noted that in 2024 alone, of the 14 competitive examinations conducted by the NTA, at least five faced major issues.

“As a result, three examinations -- UGC-NET, CSIR-NET and NEET-PG ~ had to be postponed, one examination viz. NEET-UG saw instances of paper leaks, and one examination - CUET (UG/PG) ~ saw its results postponed. In JEE Main 2025, held in January 2025, at least 12 questions had to be withdrawn due to errors noted in the final answer key of the engineering entrance exam,” the panel said in its report.