PTC Web Desk: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is facing significant criticism after integrity concerns arose regarding several entrance tests. The development comes as the Centre announced on Wednesday that the UGC-NET examination has been cancelled. The NTA administered the UGC - NET exam on June 18. Now, the agency is under increased scrutiny, with calls for its abolition.

Why UGC NET was cancelled?

The Centre cancelled the National Eligibility Test (NET), which is used to fill positions in universities such as assistant professors and junior research fellowships, citing the possibility that it was "compromised" and stating that the CBI will look into the matter. A new exam date will be announced, it stated.

Also Read | UGC Net 2024 cancelled; 'exam integrity compromised', says NTA

NTA facing backlash over NEET UG result?

The NTA is also in charge of administering the medical entrance exam NEET-UG, which is also facing allegations of irregularities.

The NEET-UG, a graduate-level entrance exam, was held on May 5, and the results were announced on June 4, ten days ahead of schedule. The results revealed that up to 67 students had passed the exam, an unprecedented occurrence that sparked accusations of rigging and paper leaks.

The mastermind behind the NEET paper leak case Amit Anand reportedly admitted that the question paper was leaked a day before the exam. He also revealed the price for which he used to 'sell' the question papers. In his confession, he describes how the students had to memorise the answers to the questions one day before the exam, reported ABP news.

The accused confessed that the paper was leaked the day before the NEET. The question paper and answers were given to the candidates on the same day and they were instructed to memorise the answers overnight. The cost of the question paper was Rs 30-32 lakh.

As the row over the medical entrance exam and UGC NET intensifies, significant changes are expected at the National Testing Agency (NTA). The agency's operations and exam management are being reviewed, with the possibility of forming a high-level committee to make recommendations, according to government sources quoted by media.

Here's all you need to know about NTA

What is the National Testing Agency?

The NTA, established by the Centre in 2017, is an autonomous body tasked with conducting entrance examinations for admission/fellowship in higher education institutions. From test preparation to delivery and marking, the NTA handles all of these responsibilities in a "scientific manner" in collaboration with subject matter experts and psychometricians.

“The right candidates joining the best institutions will give India her demographic dividend,” reads NTA’s vision on its official website. In December 2018, the NTA administered its first exam, the UGC-NET test.

The NTA is currently led by Pradeep Kumar Joshi, the former UPSC chairman. The NTA's governing body consists of 14 individuals, including the chairman. 

Subodh Kumar Singh, an IAS, serves as director general.

Which exams are conducted by NTA?

In addition to NEET and UGC-NET, the NTA administers the engineering entrance exam, Joint Entrance Examination (Main), which is used to determine admission to India's prestigious IITs and NITs. Following the JEE Main exam, the IITs conduct a JEE Advanced level exam on a rotational basis.

The national examination body also administers the CMAT and GPAT. The CMAT, or Common Management Admission Test, is a national-level entrance exam for admission to management programmes in India.

Meanwhile, the GPAT, or Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test, is administered to Pharmacy graduates seeking admission to Masters programmes.