Pradeep Singh Kharola Appointed as Director General of NTA

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Pradeep Singh Kharola, retired IAS officer (1985 Kerala cadre), has been appointed as Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA) by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Ministry of Education.

An Overview of the News

• Currently serving as Chairman and Managing Director of India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).

Challenges Faced by NTA:

• NTA has encountered issues such as exam cancellations and allegations of paper leaks (e.g., NEET-UG, UGC NET, CSIR UGC NET).

• Concerns raised about inconsistent marking practices affecting public trust.

Objectives of the Appointment:

• Tasked with restoring credibility to NTA through enhanced security measures and transparent examinations.

• Focus on reforms in testing procedures and marking schemes.

Immediate Priorities:

• Strengthening exam security to prevent future leaks.

• Implementing rigorous evaluation processes to ensure fairness.

Committee Formation:

• A seven-member committee established to assess NTA operations and recommend improvements.

• Expected collaboration with Kharola to drive necessary reforms.

Monitoring and Expectations:

• Kharola's tenure will be closely monitored for rebuilding public confidence in NTA.

• Emphasis on transparency and fair practices in competitive examinations.

About NTA

• The National Testing Agency (NTA) operates autonomously under India's Ministry of Education's Department of Higher Education since November 2017.

• Its primary mandate is to organize entrance examinations for admissions and recruitment purposes.

• NTA conducts a variety of national-level exams covering fields such as engineering, medicine, management, and pharmacy.

• These exams are crucial for securing admission and fellowships in higher educational institutions across India.

  • Headquarters:- New Delhi

  • Chairperson:- Pradeep Kumar Joshi

  • Director General:- Pradeep Singh Kharola, IAS (Additional charge)