NATIONAL TESTING AGENCY (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Education)

Context: The Supreme Court is scheduled to address three petitions regarding the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2024 medical entrance test.

National Testing Agency

• About: It is a premier, specialist, autonomous, and self-sustained testing organization.
• Aim: To conduct entrance examinations for admission/fellowship in higher educational institutions.
• Establishment: in 2017, as a Society registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act, of 1860.
• Objectives:

oConduct efficient, transparent, and internationally standardized tests to assess candidate competency for admission and recruitment purposes.

oUndertake research on educational, professional, and testing systems to identify knowledge gaps and bridge them.

oIdentify experts and institutions for setting examination questions.

oProduce and disseminate information and research on education and professional development standards.

• Functions: 

oCreate a question bank for all subjects using modern techniques.

oEstablish a strong R&D culture and a pool of experts in different aspects of testing.

oAssist colleges and universities in testing, and provide training and advisory services within India.

oUndertake any other examinations entrusted by the Ministries/Departments of Government of India/State Governments.