The National Testing Agency (NTA) is steadily becoming a giant in the realm of educational assessments in India. It conducts some of the country’s most prestigious exams, including JEE, NEET, CMAT, GPAT, and CUET (both UG and PG). These exams serve as gateways to technical, non-technical, and general education programs across India. As the number of applicants for these exams continues to grow, so does the revenue generated by the NTA.
NTA’s revenue
Recent estimates reveal that with an average application fee of Rs 1,000, the NTA’s revenue from its three major entrance exams alone exceeds Rs 500 crore. This substantial income highlights the immense scale at which the NTA operates. However, the financial burden on students and their families is significant. Students often spend nearly Rs 10,000 to appear for multiple entrance exams conducted by private universities, creating an annual market of over Rs 1,000 crore. This has led to concerns about the necessity and impact of such an extensive array of entrance exams.
To address these issues, the Ministry of Education is considering mandating that private universities use standardized exams like JEE (Main), CUET, and CLAT for their admissions. There is even discussion about using JEE-Main scores for admission to IITs, potentially eliminating the need for JEE-Advanced, given the marginal differences in top scores between the two exams. Higher education institutions should incorporate a mix of standardized test scores and Class XII marks to ensure a balanced and fair admission process. This approach would enhance transparency and reduce the financial and emotional burden on students and their families.
S Vaidhyasubramaniam, Vice-Chancellor of SASTRA Deemed University, emphasizes the potential for the NTA to set international benchmarks in educational assessments. By refining its processes and expanding its reach, the NTA can become a model for testing agencies worldwide.
In addition to entrance exams, the NTA also conducts various recruitment exams for universities, colleges, and institutions like NVS and KVS. These exams further contribute to the NTA’s revenue stream.
The financial implications extend beyond the NTA’s earnings. The government also benefits from the GST levied on application fees, which stands at 18%. Thus, every application submission includes a GST payment, adding to the government’s revenue.
The Evolution of Entrance Exams
The concept of entrance exams has a long history. In the late 1800s, Henry Fischel, an American businessman and philanthropist, introduced the idea of examinations. China was the first country to implement this concept nationally with the Imperial Examination. Additionally, another Henry Fischel, a religious studies professor at Indiana University in the early twentieth century, is credited with developing standardized evaluations.
Exams have long been a source of anxiety for students, often leading to significant stress as exam dates approach. According to Wikipedia, entrance examinations in India trace their origins to the University of Calcutta, established in 1857, which introduced exams to determine eligibility for admission. In those early exams, only one student qualified for every four candidates.
As the NTA continues to expand its role in the Indian education system, it is crucial to balance the need for rigorous assessments with the well-being of students. By streamlining the number of entrance exams and ensuring fair and transparent admission processes, the NTA can help reduce stress and financial strain on students while maintaining high standards of education.