• UGI USER
  • Jul 01, 2024
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THE ROT IN INDIA’S HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM

SYLLABUS:

GS 2:

  • Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Focus:

  • The academic year of 2022-23 was marked by unprecedented delays in admissions to all university programmes.

Introduction of the NTA and CUET Regime

  • Unprecedented Delays: The academic year 2022-23 saw significant delays in admissions due to the implementation of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
  • Initial PhD CUET Plans Dropped: Although initially planned, the CUET for PhD admissions was dropped in mid-September 2022.
  • Loss of University Autonomy: University administrations, despite internal critiques, were forced to cede control over admissions to the NTA.
  • Case of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU): JNU, which had a long-standing tradition of conducting its own entrance exams, faced delays and issues under the NTA regime.
  • Impact on PhD Admissions: PhD admissions for 2022-23 at JNU were completed with an eight-month delay, disrupting academic schedules.

Challenges Faced by Universities

  • Delayed Admissions: The shift to NTA-administered exams led to prolonged admission processes, negatively affecting academic calendars.
  • Questioning the MCQ Format: There was widespread criticism of the multiple-choice question format imposed by the NTA.
  • Disregard for Expertise: Despite having the capacity and experience to conduct their own exams, universities like JNU were forced to follow the NTA’s protocols.
  • Autonomy Undermined: University autonomy was compromised as institutions were mandated to adhere to the NTA’s directives.
  • Contradictory Regulations: The UGC Regulations, 2022, allowed universities to conduct their own exams, yet executive decisions forced adherence to the NTA.

Administrative Responses and Controversies

  • Executive Fiat: Despite UGC regulations, university heads often imposed NTA-run exams, sidelining academic councils and internal critiques.
  • Ministry of Education’s Role: The JNU Vice Chancellor claimed adherence to NTA was required by the Ministry of Education, a position later denied by the government.
  • Lack of Transparency: Right to Information queries revealed no contractual obligation for JNU to follow NTA directives, raising questions about administrative decisions.
  • UGC’s Non-binding Notice: The UGC issued a notice that only the June 2024 UGC-NET exam scores would be considered for PhD admissions, lacking clear rationale or documentation.
  • Hasty Decisions: JNU administration’s swift acceptance of UGC’s notice without Academic Council approval highlighted the undermining of institutional governance.

Systemic Issues and Nexus

  • Control Over Academic Calendar: The NTA effectively controlled university academic calendars, disrupting schedules and processes.
  • UGC and Vice-Chancellor Collusion: There was active collaboration between the UGC, its Chairperson, and university Vice-Chancellors to enforce the NTA regime.
  • Suppression of Criticism: Internal objections regarding the NTA’s exam format and security concerns were systematically ignored.
  • Extra-legal Diktats: Universities were forced to implement directives from the UGC Chairperson and the Commission, often bypassing legal and statutory processes.
  • Need for Examination: Any probe into the NTA must also investigate the nexus between the UGC, Vice-Chancellors, and the erosion of university autonomy.

Recommendations for Improvement

  • Restoring University Autonomy: The government should empower universities to conduct their own entrance exams in line with UGC Regulations, 2022.
  • Timely Admissions: Universities must complete PhD admissions promptly to maintain academic integrity and schedules.
  • Transparent Processes: All decisions related to entrance exams should be documented and made transparent to restore confidence in the system.
  • Addressing Security Concerns: Robust measures should be implemented to ensure the security and fairness of entrance exams.
  • Engaging Academic Councils: Decisions regarding admissions should involve thorough consultation with academic councils and other statutory bodies.
National Testing Agency (NTA)

About:

  • Establishment: Founded in 2017 as a Society registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act, 1860.
  • Purpose: An autonomous and self-sustained testing organization for conducting entrance examinations for higher education admissions.

Key Exams:

  • JEE-Main: For engineering admissions.
  • NEET-UG: For medical admissions.
  • CUET-UG: For various undergraduate courses.

Postgraduate and Other Exams:

  • CUET-PG: For postgraduate admissions.
  • UGC-NET: Determines eligibility for junior research fellowships and assistant professor appointments.
  • CSIR UGC-NET: For PhD admissions in various science disciplines.
  • Additional Tests: Includes Common Management Admission Test (CMAT), Hotel Management Joint Entrance Examination, Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test, and entrance exams for institutions like Delhi University, JNU, IIFT, and ICAR.

Governance:

  • Leadership: Chaired by an eminent educationist appointed by the Ministry of Education.
  • CEO: The Director General of NTA, with the rank and pay equivalent to a Joint Secretary to the Government of India, serves as the Chief Executive Officer.
  • Government Oversight: The Government of India provides policy directions, which the NTA must comply with.
  • Governing Body: Comprises members from user institutions and oversees the administration of the NTA.

Functions:

  • Infrastructure Partnership: Identifies partner institutions with adequate infrastructure to conduct online examinations without disrupting their academic routine.
  • Question Bank Creation: Develops a comprehensive question bank for all subjects using modern techniques.
  • R&D and Expertise: Establishes a robust R&D culture and a pool of experts in various aspects of testing.
  • International Collaboration: Works with international organizations like Educational Testing Services (ETS).
  • Additional Exams: Conducts any other examinations entrusted by Ministries or Departments of the Government of India or State Governments.

 

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

Vision and Goals:

  1. Holistic Development: Focuses on the holistic development of learners by emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and multidisciplinary learning.
  2. Equity and Inclusion: Aims to ensure equity and inclusion at all levels of education, addressing disparities related to gender, socio-economic status, and regional imbalances.
  3. Quality Education: Strives to provide high-quality education to all students, fostering lifelong learning and skills for the 21st century.
  4. Flexibility and Choice: Introduces flexibility in course choices and learning paths to cater to diverse learner interests and career aspirations.
  5. Global Standards: Seeks to align India’s education system with global standards, making Indian students competitive internationally.

Source:The Hindu

Mains Practice Question:

The introduction of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) has been met with significant challenges and controversies in India’s higher education system. Critically analyze the impact of the NTA regime on university autonomy and academic calendars, with specific reference to the case of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Discuss the systemic issues highlighted by this regime and suggest measures to restore confidence in the higher education admission process.

Associated Articles:

https://universalinstitutions.com/national-education-policy-2020/