SBI Research details structural changes for NTA with separate law and permanent staff

UPDATE - follow-up to We propose separate NTA law: SBI calls for clear rules to define agency role: SBI Research has released detailed recommendations on the legal, governance and operational structure of the National Testing Agency. The agency has conducted over 240 examinations for more than 5.4 crore candidates since its inception.

Governance Changes

SBI Research proposes a dedicated NTA Act passed by Parliament to replace its current status as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act. The report suggests creating an NTA Board of independent experts in technology, security and assessment to oversee operations and monitor vendors, separating power from the Director General's office.

Workforce and Operations

Data from July 2024 shows that 171 out of 194 disclosed personnel, or about 88 percent, were contractual or outsourced. The proposals call for a permanent professional team to handle critical functions instead of relying heavily on external agencies.

Accountability

Additional recommendations include an independent Standards and Appeals Body to audit high-risk controls and hear administrative appeals, along with a Candidate Charter for grievance timelines.

Context

SBI Research's proposals come in the wake of widespread scrutiny over examination security, paper leaks, and the heavy reliance on private vendors in conducting large-scale national tests.