Panel seeks rally curbs on exam days, late entry mechanism: Key NTA reform suggestions

A parliamentary panel has recommended withholding permission for public gatherings on competitive exam days, allowing late-arriving candidates limited entry under an undertaking, and reserving a separate 15-minute window for examination formalities.NTA reforms: Panel suggests rally curbs, 15-minute window for exam formalities (Photo: PTI) (Representative image)New Delhi,Oct 12, 2026 08:52 ISTA parliamentary panel has recommended amending the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to direct district administrations to withhold permission for rallies, processions and other public gatherings on days of crucial competitive examinations.The recommendation aims to prevent traffic disruptions and other external disturbances from affecting candidates. The panel also called for advance arrangements to ensure smooth traffic movement and maintain law and order on examination days.The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, headed by Rajya Sabha MP Mukul Wasnik, made the recommendations in its report on “Reforms and Strengthening of the National Testing Agency (NTA)”. The report was presented to the Rajya Sabha chairman on Friday.PANEL FLAGS IMPACT OF PUBLIC GATHERINGS ON CANDIDATESThe committee noted that rallies, processions and large gatherings on examination days could delay candidates and cause them to miss their reporting time at examination centres. It recommended that the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, be amended to ensure that district administrations withhold permission for such gatherings on examination days.The report also called for traffic and law-and-order arrangements to be put in place well in advance so that candidates do not face avoidable external disturbances. So far, the NTA has issued advisories asking students to reach examination centres in advance. It has also advised candidates to make arrangements accordingly if public events are planned on examination days.PANEL SUGGESTS MECHANISM FOR LATE ENTRYThe parliamentary panel also raised concerns over candidates being denied entry to examination centres for arriving a few minutes late.It observed that candidates could have genuine reasons for reaching centres late and noted that such delays could result in students losing a year of preparation over a minor lapse.The committee recommended evolving a mechanism under which candidates arriving late could be allowed to enter the examination hall after signing an undertaking recording their late arrival. Such candidates should be permitted to attempt the examination only for the remaining duration, with no additional time granted under any circumstances, the report said.SEPARATE 15-MINUTE WINDOW FOR EXAMINATION FORMALITIESThe panel also flagged concerns over invigilators completing signing and checking formalities during the examination, saying these activities disturb the concentration of candidates who are already racing against time.To address this, the committee recommended setting aside a separate 15-minute window, either before or after the examination, exclusively for such formalities.The report said these activities should not take place during the examination itself.(With PTI inputs) - Ends