ABVP pitches two-stage competitive exams, twice-yearly NEET to Nilekani task force
ABVP has sent examination reform suggestions to the Nilekani-led task force, including two-stage tests and a twice-yearly NEET option. Separately, the NTA has moved its office to Minto Road.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad has placed a set of examination reform proposals before the High-Powered Task Force headed by Nandan Nilekani, arguing for a two-stage structure for major competitive tests. Under the suggestion, an initial stage would shortlist candidates, while a second stage would determine final selection.
The student organisation, which is backed by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has also asked the panel to examine whether the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test can be held twice a year, with the higher of the two scores counted for admission.
Its submission covers a wider set of changes as well. These include computer-based testing, tighter protection of question papers, common national standards for examination centres, stronger verification of candidates and safeguards for their data, and transparent mechanisms for answer keys, normalisation and tie-breaking.
The ABVP has further proposed independent security and process audits, a national question bank, digital evaluation, an integrated examination management system and a central dashboard for monitoring exams.
The suggestions were drawn up after round-table conferences the organisation held in Pune, Nagpur, Bhopal, Delhi, Chandigarh and South Bihar to gather the views of students and experts, it said in a statement.
The task force was set up in July to study and recommend broad reforms in the conduct, security, design and governance of public examinations, including those administered by the National Testing Agency. It had invited suggestions from students, parents, teachers and other stakeholders until September 13.
In a separate development, the National Testing Agency has moved its main office from Okhla in southeast Delhi to the Government of India Press building on Minto Road in central Delhi, where it will operate from the fifth floor. In a public notice, the agency asked candidates, students, educational institutions, stakeholders, service providers and the public to send all future official correspondence to the new address.