NEET Exam: Physics Expert Flags Lack of Criteria in NTA Expert Selection

A Physics expert has informed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that the National Testing Agency (NTA) does not follow formally established eligibility criteria for appointing subject experts who prepare national entrance examination question papers. The expert's statement, included in the CBI's chargesheet concerning the NEET paper leak, indicates that the selection process is largely based on recommendations from individuals already connected with the NTA.

According to the expert, teachers in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology could be recommended for roles such as item writing, moderation, and translation by existing experts. The expert also noted that materials were translated into multiple languages after question paper preparation, with approximately two to four teachers assigned to each language. The witness claimed that there is no documented procedure for these activities, and no formal appointment letters or documentation are issued for such engagements.

The expert highlighted perceived deficiencies in the paper preparation system, stating a lack of clearly defined procedures and effective management. The expert believes that insufficient supervision and control over individuals involved in question paper preparation, including subject experts, item writers, moderators, and translators, could create opportunities for information leakage.

The statement also referenced a Chemistry expert who had coordinated training workshops for NTA experts. The witness alleged that after a disagreement with an NTA official, the coordination role was transferred to this Chemistry expert, who subsequently recommended several new individuals, reportedly friends or acquaintances, for empanelment.

Key Facts

• A Maharashtra-based Physics expert provided a statement to the CBI regarding the NTA's subject expert selection process for national entrance tests.
• The expert stated that there are no formally prescribed eligibility criteria or written conditions for selecting subject experts for setting NEET question papers.
• The selection process reportedly relies heavily on recommendations from individuals already associated with the NTA.
• The translation of a Physics question paper from Marathi to English was done by an arrested teacher, Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, on March 14.
• The proofreading of this translated paper was conducted by the witness on March 21.
• The witness claimed there is no formally documented procedure governing the activities of item writing, moderation, and translation, nor formal appointment letters for these engagements.
• The expert described the paper preparation system as lacking clearly defined procedures and effective management, with insufficient supervision and control.
• The statement referred to a Chemistry expert who allegedly led to the empanelment of new experts, including her friends and acquaintances.