National Testing Agency - Background, Objectives, Composition, Functions, Working & Major Facts

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is an organization that conducts entrance exams for educational institutions in India. Its main goal is to make sure the tests are fair and transparent for all students. The NTA uses computer-based tests and innovative methods to assess students' knowledge and skills. It helps students by giving them equal opportunities in competitive exams. 

The NTA plays a crucial role in shaping the future of aspiring students. It ensures that they have a fair chance to succeed in their educational journey. It provides them with a level playing field in the competitive examination landscape. 

The topic of the National Testing Agency is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination. It falls under the General studies paper 1 (Preliminary) syllabus. It is a part of General Studies Paper 2 (mains) under the Polity and Governance section. For further information and an explanation of the topic, visit UPSC CSE Coaching here!

In this article, we will discuss in detail the National Testing Agency. We will also have an insight into its structure and composition while discussing its functions.

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What is National Testing Agency (NTA)?

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is an Indian government agency. It was set up in 2017 to conduct entrance examinations for educational institutions in India. It was established to improve the quality and efficiency of entrance examinations. It also aimed to reduce the burden on students and parents.

Background

The announcement for the creation of the National Testing Agency was made in the budget speech of 2017-18. This was done with the aim of assessing the competence of candidates in a transparent manner.

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Objectives of the National Testing Agency

The objectives of the National Testing Agency are:

• To provide effective, open, and worldwide standards exams. This is to determine a candidate’s level of proficiency for admission and hiring.

• To conduct research on testing, professional development, and educational institutions. This is to find knowledge gaps and take action to fill them.

• To locate institutions and professionals that set test questions.

• To conduct research on education and professional development standards. To generate and distribute such knowledge.

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Functions of the National Testing Agency

The functions of the National Testing Agency are:

• To find partner institutions that have the necessary infrastructure to conduct online exams. This should have no negative effect on the existing academic schedules.

• To develop a question bank for every topic utilising contemporary methods

• to create a strong culture of research and development and a pool of testing expertise

• Providing training and advising services to institutions in India. Aiding certain colleges and universities in the testing area. To offer top-notch testing services to Indian academic institutions.

• To use both local and foreign skills to create a cutting-edge testing culture in India. To work together with global organisations like ETS to do the same.

• To carry out any other exam that the Ministries/Departments of the Central or State Governments assign to it.

• To implement changes and teach school boards whose testing requirements should be similar to those of entrance exams.

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Working of NTA

The NTA handles the entire examination process. This includes developing the test content, administering the examinations, and processing the results.

Here is a step-by-step overview of how the NTA works:

• The NTA develops the test content for each examination in consultation with subject experts. 
• The NTA administers the examinations at designated test centers across India. The examinations are conducted using a variety of formats. This includes computer-based tests, pen-and-paper tests, and online tests.
• The NTA processes the examination results using a variety of methods, depending on the format of the examination. The results are then published on the NTA website. They are also sent to the respective educational institutions.

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Structure & Composition of National Testing Agency

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is a self-sustained autonomous body. It operates under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It is governed by a Governing Body, which is responsible for the overall policy and direction of the NTA. The Governing Body is chaired by the Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education.

The following are the key positions in the Team NTA:

• Director General
• Executive Directors
• Joint Directors
• Deputy Directors
• Assistant Directors
• Senior Technical Assistants
• Technical Assistants
• Administrative Officers
• Other supporting staff

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List of Exams conducted by the National Testing Agency

The list of exams conducted by the National Testing Agency are:

• Joint Entrance Exam (JEE)

• JNUEE

• National Council for Hotel Management Joint Entrance Examination (NCHM JEE)

• NTA NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)

• CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)

• Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT)

• All India AYUSH Post Graduate Entrance Test (AIAPGET)

• IGNOU PHD OPENMAT (MBA) Exam

• ICAR AIEEA Exam

• Uttar Pradesh Combined Entrance Test (UPCET)

• NIS Patiala Exam

• BBAU Entrance Exam

• Delhi University Entrance Test (DUET )

• BHU Entrance Exam

• Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG)

• Common University Entrance Test (CUET PG)

• Joint Integrated Programme in Management Admission Test (JIPMAT)

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Important facts related to the National Testing Agency

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Concluding Remarks

The NTA will develop a system that promotes teaching, learning, and assessment. The agency firmly supports assessment quality, effectiveness, efficiency, equality, and security. It will regularly interact with its stakeholders to put these beliefs into effect. This includes students, parents, instructors, specialists, and partner institutions.

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