SRINAGAR: Union Education Minister Prahlad Joshi on Monday reviewed the steps being taken by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to reform its examination system and directed strict compliance with established protocols and an overhaul of its confidential operations architecture.
Joshi held a meeting with the Secretary, Department of Higher Education, NTA Director General and other senior officials, during which he was apprised of the measures undertaken by the agency in the wake of recent issues.
The minister was informed that more than 50 NTA staff members had been removed and that 10 new professional leadership positions had been advertised, including Chief Technology Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, General Manager (Test Security) and General Manager (Research and Development and Psychometrics), among others. The onboarding process for these positions is underway.
He was also apprised that domain specialists from the private sector were being brought in for cyber security, psychometrics, question-paper design and other specialised areas.
Joshi directed the NTA to ensure strict compliance with established examination protocols and ordered a complete overhaul of its Confidential Operations (CONOPS) architecture.
He directed that measures including secluded rooms, air-gapped systems and device-deposit protocols be implemented on a war footing to strengthen the security and confidentiality of examinations.
The minister also directed the NTA to conduct a thorough audit of all examination processes and submit a report detailing the corrective action taken.
