NEW DELHI: Question-paper setting, exam conduct, test centres and security will be handled by separate agencies under a restructuring being prioritised by the Nandan Nilekani-led task force on exam reforms.

This "debundling" of responsibilities is central to a plan that also envisages exam centres in every district and a common calendar for major testing bodies.Separating the functions could limit concentration of control over the process. The panel is also planning a common calendar involving NTA, SSC, IBPS and RRBs.

Test facilities to move closer to candidates

A common calendar for major testing bodies — NTA, SSC, Institute of Banking Personnel Selection and Railway Recruitment Boards — could help bring in coordinated scheduling to reduce clashes.

It could further allow better use of exam infrastructure throughout the year.Centres in every district would bring testing facilities closer to candidates, particularly those in rural areas. The plan comes as the education ministry develops a national computer-based testing infrastructure strategy to support the migration of pen-and-paper entrance examinations, including NEET-UG.

According to a govt official, the strategy aims to close geographic gaps in test-centre availability and establish uniform standards for examination facilities.

Ashish Mittal, managing director of examination security provider Innovatiview, said: “The focus must be on ensuring that technology, physical infrastructure, security and operations integrate into one auditable examination system with candidate experience at the epicentre.”