The high-powered task force (HPTF) headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to recommend reforms in India’s public examination system on Friday invited suggestions from students, parents, teachers, academic institutions and other stakeholders, including those involved in exam security, technology, governance and student well-being.
The six-member HPTF, constituted by the Centre on July 27, has been tasked with examining comprehensive reforms in the conduct, security, design and governance of public examinations, including those conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The panel will examine measures to strengthen institutional processes, improve examination integrity and security, deploy technology, expand examination infrastructure, improve accessibility and inclusion, and safeguard student well-being.
As part of its exercise to fulfil its mandate for creating a “robust, secure, transparent, equitable and future-ready” examination system, the HPTF has invited suggestions on the conduct and security of public examinations, examination design and assessment methodology, and governance, accountability and institutional arrangements. Stakeholders can also suggest measures for the “prevention, detection and redressal” of examination malpractices, greater use of technology, including “secure Computer-Based Testing”, and creation and augmentation of examination infrastructure. The task force is also seeking suggestions on an “inclusive examination framework” to improve access across social, economic, regional and linguistic groups, as well as measures to strengthen transparency, grievance redressal and stakeholder communication. Suggestions are also invited on promoting student well-being “throughout the examination process”, besides any other measure that could add value to the examination system.
