New Delhi: Signalling the next phase of reforms to be undertaken by the National Testing Agency, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan told TOI the focus will be on creating a “stress-free exam”, alongside developing a global-standard SOP for conducting “zero error exams”.“This (stress-free exam) is the biggest challenge before the NTA, and we are working towards a globally benchmarked system,” Pradhan said.The minister said the agency currently conducts tests for over one crore candidates annually and will have to “face the challenges and progress from the experiences so far”. “With over one crore candidates appearing in NTA exams, we must continuously learn from experience, address gaps, and strengthen systems to deliver fair, transparent and reliable assessments,” he said.The next phase follows the recommendations of the high-level committee chaired by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan, constituted in June 2024 after multiple disruptions in national-level entrance exams. The panel had submitted a set of recommendations on strengthening exam security, institutional restructuring, and improving transparency in evaluation and grievance redressal.“The reforms are guided by expert recommendations and are aimed at building a robust, technology-driven and accountable testing ecosystem,” the minister said.The ministry has also moved to standardise exam protocols across formats.
