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The National Testing Agency (NTA) recently announced new computer-based test (CBT) dates for upcoming entrance exams, including UGC-NET and CUET-UG. This decision reignites questions about the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) prior push for pen-and-paper or hybrid mode for these exam.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) and a reform panel are investigating UGC’s insistence on paper-based exams. This scrutiny comes amidst recent exam leak scares, highlighting concerns about security during the physical transportation of question papers.
The NTA was formed to conduct high-quality entrance exams with minimal human involvement and robust digital security. Its success with CBT exams like JEE (Main) stands in stark contrast to the concerns surrounding UGC’s push for pen-and-paper modes.
Sources claim UGC advocated for a hybrid or pen-and-paper exam mode CUET-UG in 2023, despite the NTA successfully conducting the first edition digitally. While the initial CBT faced glitches, subsequent editions ran smoothly.
The MoE acknowledges the NTA’s (National Testing Agency)competence in handling CBT exams. However, questions linger about UGC’s motives behind favoring paper-based formats for these crucial entrance exams.
Moving forward, ensuring transparency in exam mode selection is crucial. A thorough evaluation of security concerns and the benefits of digital exams compared to traditional methods is necessary to maintain public trust in the integrity of entrance processes.
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