Ban rallies on exam days to protect NTA integrity, panel urges

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports has called for administrative measures to restrict rallies and processions on days when the National Testing Agency conducts examinations across the country.

The committee, chaired by Rajya Sabha member Mukul Wasnik, argued that such gatherings could potentially disrupt the smooth conduct of competitive exams that thousands of students sit for annually. The recommendation forms part of broader reform proposals aimed at strengthening the functioning of the NTA, which administers major entrance examinations including the NEET and JEE.

The suggestion reflects growing concerns about maintaining examination security and ensuring an undisturbed testing environment for candidates. Public demonstrations and processions, particularly in urban areas where examination centers are concentrated, could create logistical challenges and cause anxiety among test-takers.

Authorities have been asked to coordinate with relevant departments to implement necessary protocols on examination days. The committee's recommendations are expected to be considered by the Ministry of Education as it deliberates on reforms to strengthen the NTA's operational framework and institutional credibility.