NTA to Focus Solely on Entrance Exams; Board Exams to Be Conducted Twice a Year

The Union Education Ministry, led by Dharmendra Pradhan, has announced major examination reforms, with the National Testing Agency (NTA) focusing exclusively on entrance exams and board exams being held twice a year starting in 2025.

As part of the reforms, the NTA will concentrate entirely on conducting entrance exams for higher education institutions, including the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG). This move aims to streamline operations and enhance testing integrity, addressing long-standing issues such as leaks and malpractices.

The agency will undergo a significant overhaul, including the creation of at least ten new posts to strengthen its operations. The reforms also prioritize "zero-error testing" and propose incorporating advanced technology, such as computer-adaptive testing, to ensure secure and efficient assessments.

The CUET-UG will continue to be held annually, with the focus on technological upgrades to accommodate a growing number of applicants and ensure transparency. In a separate move, the Education Ministry plans to conduct board exams twice a year, offering students greater flexibility and opportunities to improve their scores.

These changes aim to create a robust and student-friendly examination framework. While the NTA’s revamped role ensures the integrity of entrance exams, the twice-yearly board exam schedule aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s vision of holistic and flexible learning.

Education experts have lauded these reforms as a step toward modernization and inclusivity, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to ensure smooth implementation. With these initiatives, the government is set to redefine the examination landscape in India, prioritizing student welfare, technological integration, and the reliability of testing mechanisms.