Abolish NTA, make entrance exam body accountable to Parliament: Telangana academic

Former chairman of Telangana State Council of Higher Education R. Limbadri has called for the abolition of the National Testing Agency (NTA), stating that higher education entrance exams should be conducted by a body accountable to Parliament.

Speaking at a webinar organised by the Constitution Protection Forum (CPF), he alleged that despite more than 101 recommendations made following controversies surrounding student entrance exams in 2024, essential safeguards were not implemented in 2026.

Mr. Limbadri pointed out that State governments had been stripped of their role in conducting exams, contributing to the commercialisation of education and the growth of coaching-centre culture, which he said put poor students at a disadvantage. Exams should not be conducted by organisations lacking statutory authority, he stressed, and criticised the increasing reliance on contract employees instead of government staff.

Questioning the examination system, he asked why authorities had failed to ensure CCTV-equipped centres and the secure transportation of question papers despite collecting exam fees of ₹2,000. He also noted that recommendations of the committee led by former ISRO chairman K. Radhakrishnan had not been adequately implemented.

CPF members K. Umamaheswara Rao, Kamesh Babu, D.A.S.V. Prasad, D.G. Narasimha Rao and Srinivas participated in the event.