Teachers’, students’ bodies call for independent probe into exam irregularities and NTA overhaul

A coalition of teachers' and students' organisations on Wednesday demanded the restructuring of the National Testing Agency (NTA), an end to the outsourcing of public examinations, and an independent judicial inquiry into alleged examination irregularities, claiming repeated controversies have eroded confidence in the education system. Addressing a press conference, the Joint Forum for Movement on Education (JFME) also sought physical re-evaluation of CBSE Class 12 answer sheets without additional charges and called for greater autonomy for universities and educational institutions, alleging that recent examination-related issues have caused anxiety among students and parents.

The forum alleged that the integrity of public examinations has been affected by repeated irregularities and criticised what it described as increasing centralisation in the education sector under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The JFME demanded a review of the existing examination framework and sought measures to strengthen public institutions involved in conducting tests and admissions.

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Among its key demands, the forum called for restructuring the NTA, an end to outsourcing of public examinations to private agencies, restoration of greater autonomy to universities and educational institutions, and an independent inquiry into alleged examination irregularities. It also urged authorities to allow physical re-evaluation of CBSE Class 12 answer sheets without additional charges and sought relaxation of certain eligibility requirements for students who may have been affected by evaluation-related issues.

The forum said teachers, students and parents must be consulted while framing education policies and examination reforms. It added that safeguarding the credibility of public examinations was essential to protecting the interests of students and maintaining trust in the education system. The JFME is an umbrella organisation representing associations of university and college teachers, school teachers, non-teaching university employees, students, parents and other organisations working for scientific and democratic education.