A Parliamentary Standing Committee has reviewed the conduct of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET-UG) and sought a detailed written report on reforms at the National Testing Agency (NTA). The review comes as scrutiny over the medical entrance examination continues following the paper leak controversy.

The committee heard presentations from NTA officials and subject experts while discussing measures to improve the functioning of the country’s premier examination agency.

Health Panel Examines NEET-UG Conduct

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare, chaired by Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav, met on Thursday to examine the functioning of regulatory institutions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

A major focus of the meeting was the conduct of the NEET-UG examination under the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019. Committee members reviewed the examination process and discussed possible reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and efficiency within the NTA.

Officials from the testing agency, along with domain experts, presented their views before the panel.

Committee Seeks Written Report on NTA Improvements

During the meeting, members suggested several measures to improve the functioning of the National Testing Agency and asked the concerned authorities to submit a comprehensive written report.

The committee reviewed the organisational structure, mandate and operational efficiency of regulatory institutions working under the Health Ministry while examining ways to strengthen the examination system.

Experts Present AI-Based Examination Model

The committee also received a presentation on “One Nation – One Entrance Test” and SmartInsta Test-AI (SITAI).

The presentation was delivered by Balaveera Reddy, former Chairman of the Board of Governors at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, and former Vice-Chancellor of Visvesvaraya Technological University, Karnataka.

The proposed model explored the use of artificial intelligence and technology to improve the conduct of entrance examinations.

Healthcare Accessibility Also Reviewed

Apart from NEET-UG, the committee examined the affordability and accessibility of healthcare services in both the public and private sectors.

The panel heard oral evidence from senior officials, including representatives of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), the Quality Council of India (QCI), the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).

The discussions focused on improving healthcare regulation and ensuring better access to quality medical services.

Third Parliamentary Committee to Review NEET Row

The Health Committee is the third parliamentary panel to examine issues related to the NEET examination following allegations of a paper leak.

Earlier, the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, along with the Parliamentary Committee on Government Assurances, also reviewed the matter.

These committees have previously summoned senior officials from the Higher Education Ministry, the Health Ministry, the National Testing Agency, the National Medical Commission and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is investigating the alleged paper leak.

NEET-UG Exam Reforms Under Spotlight

The NEET-UG examination, originally conducted on May 3, was cancelled after allegations of a paper leak emerged. A fresh examination was later held on June 21.

The repeated parliamentary reviews reflect growing efforts to strengthen examination security, improve the functioning of the National Testing Agency and restore confidence in one of India’s largest medical entrance examinations.

With multiple committees now examining the issue, reforms to the examination system are expected to remain a key focus in the coming months.

FAQs

1. What did the parliamentary panel review?

The committee reviewed the conduct of the NEET-UG examination and the functioning of the National Testing Agency.

2. Why did the committee seek a report from the NTA?

It requested a written report outlining reforms and measures to improve the agency’s functioning.

3. Who chaired the parliamentary committee meeting?

The meeting was chaired by Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav.

4. Which ministry’s institutions were reviewed?

The committee examined regulatory institutions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

5. What is SmartInsta Test-AI (SITAI)?

It is an AI-based examination model presented as part of discussions on improving entrance examinations.

6. Which experts addressed the committee?

NTA officials, subject experts and Balaveera Reddy presented their views during the meeting.

7. Was healthcare also discussed?

Yes. The committee reviewed affordability and accessibility of healthcare services in both public and private sectors.

8. How many parliamentary panels have reviewed the NEET issue?

The Health Committee is the third parliamentary panel to examine the NEET controversy.

9. Why was the original NEET-UG exam cancelled?

The examination was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak and was later reconducted.

10. What is the objective of the ongoing parliamentary reviews?

The reviews aim to strengthen examination security, improve the NTA’s functioning and restore confidence in the NEET-UG examination system.