AI‑Powered Helpline Set Up on Existing NTA Toll‑Free Number to Aid Exam Queries

The 1800‑180‑47‑47 toll‑free number, initially launched by the National Testing Agency for the High Power Task Force led by Nandan Nilekani, will now serve as an AI‑enabled helpline to answer exam‑related queries in multiple languages. The number was issued in August for stakeholders to submit suggestions on examination reforms, with a deadline of September 13. After the committee received the suggestions and began drafting its final report, the line remained unused and officials decided to repurpose it for the NTA help desk. The helpline has not yet been announced publicly because the NTA is still testing the service and its AI features. The AI is expected to let students ask questions in any language and receive answers drawn from the NTA’s backend data. Officials said students often struggle with website navigation and face language barriers, especially in regional areas, so the feature should smooth the pre‑examination process. Example questions include: “When is JEE?”, “When is the UGC‑NET examination?”, “How do I fill the form?”, “How much fee do I have to pay?”, “What documents are required?”, “What is the last date?” and queries about eligibility. The initiative is part of a broader overhaul of the NTA overseen by the six‑member High Power Task Force. It follows recent student protests over NEET‑UG paper leaks that led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Context

The NTA’s AI helpline aims to reduce information gaps for millions of exam candidates across India, addressing both digital literacy and linguistic diversity challenges that have long hindered smooth access to official exam details.