A major change has been set in motion with India’s Union Cabinet approving creation of a National Testing Agency (NTA). It’s to be an autonomous organization that will conduct entrance examinations for higher educational institutions.
Tests & Exams
Its tests will cater to 40 lakh students annually and will relieve CBSE, AICTE and other entrance examination agencies from conducting these tests. NTA will start by conducting those exams, which are currently being conducted by the CBSE. It will take up other examinations gradually until all are centralised. NTA will conduct examinations in online mode, at least twice a year, as per the announcement.
NTA will be given a one-time grant of Rs. 25 crore (Rs 250 million or approx US$ 4 million) from the Government of India to start its operation in the first year. Thereafter, it’s expected to be self sufficient.
