In response to the recent controversies surrounding NEET and UGC-NET exams, the Ministry of Education announced on Saturday the formation of a high-level expert committee aimed at ensuring transparent and fair conduct of examinations.

The newly constituted panel, headed by Dr. K Radhakrishnan, former ISRO chairperson and current chairman of the board of governors at IIT Kanpur, will focus on reforms in the examination process, enhancement of data security protocols, and the structure and functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA).

According to a statement from the Ministry of Education, the committee will conduct a comprehensive review of the NTA's Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and suggest measures to strengthen them. This includes proposing a robust monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance at every level.

The expert panel's responsibilities also encompass evaluating and improving the NTA's current data security processes. The committee will recommend advanced protocols to safeguard examination data and ensure its integrity.

Furthermore, the panel will assess the organizational structure and functioning of the NTA, aiming to clearly define roles and responsibilities of functionaries at every level. This initiative is intended to streamline operations and enhance the efficiency of the examination process.

This move by the Centre comes amid widespread concerns over the integrity of the NEET and UGC-NET exams, with the objective of restoring trust and ensuring a fair and transparent examination system. The panel's recommendations are expected to bring significant reforms, ensuring that examinations are conducted smoothly and securely in the future.