UDF Renews Demand to Replace NTA with Statutory National Examination Authority After Supreme Court Hearing
NEW DELHI , JULY 24: The United Doctors Front (UDF) on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court's observations on the need for comprehensive reforms in India's examination system, while reiterating its long-standing demand that the National Testing Agency (NTA) be replaced with a statutory National Examination Authority established through an Act of Parliament.
The statement came after proceedings in the Supreme Court on UDF's Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking sweeping reforms in the country's examination system in the wake of repeated paper leak controversies and concerns over examination integrity.
UDF Chairperson Dr. Lakshya Mittal said the hearing reaffirmed the organisation's consistent stand that India requires institutional reforms rather than temporary crisis management.
While welcoming the Court's proactive approach, the UDF maintained that technological upgrades and administrative improvements alone would not address the root causes of repeated examination failures.
It argued that only a statutory examination authority created through parliamentary legislation could ensure institutional accountability, transparency, independent oversight, clearly defined statutory responsibilities and direct accountability to Parliament.
The organisation said it has consistently advocated this position before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, constitutional authorities and through its PIL before the Supreme Court.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court reportedly held extensive discussions on creating a comprehensive framework covering the entire examination cycle, including pre-examination, during-examination and post-examination safeguards.
The deliberations also focused on digital transparency, administrative and human resource reforms, secure printing and transportation of question papers, conducting examinations in multiple sessions, and developing a roadmap for computer-based testing supported by robust cybersecurity measures.
According to the UDF, the Bench observed that extraordinary arrangements adopted after repeated paper leaks cannot become a permanent solution and stressed the need for complete institutionalisation of examination reforms.
The Court also indicated that it would continue monitoring the reform process to ensure meaningful and long-term systemic changes.
During the proceedings, the Union Government informed the Court that it was working on reforms that go beyond the recommendations of the High-Level Committee constituted to examine the examination system.
The Centre assured the Bench that any suggestions made by the Supreme Court would be accepted and implemented.
Expressing optimism over the outcome of the litigation, the UDF said it hoped the proceedings would lead to durable reforms that restore public confidence in India's examination system and protect the future of millions of students and aspirants.
