(a) whether the Government has approved the establishment of a National
Testing Agency (NTA) in the country;
(b) if so, the objectives and proposed functions of the agency;
(c) whether extensive consultations with State Governments
and professionals from the domain of higher education conducted
prior to the establishment of the agency to ascertain their opinion in
this matter; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(DR. SATYA PAL SINGH)
(a) & (b): In pursuance of the Budget Announcement 2017-18, the Union
Cabinet in its meeting held on 10.11.2017 approved creation of the National
Testing Agency (NTA) as an autonomous and self-sustained premier testing
organization to conduct entrance examinations for Higher Education
Institutions (HEIs) in the country. The NTA would initially conduct those
entrance examinations which are currently being conducted by the Central
Board of Secondary Education(CBSE). The examinations will be conducted
in online mode twice a year in order to give adequate opportunity to
candidates to bring out their best. In order to serve the requirements of the
rural students, NTA would locate the centres at sub-district/district level
and as far as possible would provide hands-on training to the students.
(c) & (d): Extensive consultations were done with the concerned
Ministries/Departments of the Government of India as well as other
stakeholders both from Central and State Government in a workshop held
on 1-9-2017.