Chairs High-Powered Task Force meet on exam reforms
Jammu Tawi, Nov 12: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday called for comprehensive reforms in the examination system in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure transparency, security and merit-based selection, particularly in the wake of the cancellation and subsequent re-examination of NEET-UG 2026.
Chairing a meeting with members of the High-Powered Task Force (HPTF) on Examination Reforms at the Civil Secretariat, the Chief Minister stressed that examination credibility was directly linked to the future of students.
He emphasised strengthening examination security, gradually introducing computer-based testing, improving the credibility of board examinations and addressing concerns regarding subjective evaluation in recruitment and admission processes.
Omar observed that while irregularities in decentralised examinations generally remained confined to particular regions, paper leaks in centralised examinations could affect candidates nationwide.
Advocating a gradual transition towards computer-based examinations, he stressed the need to familiarise students with technology before implementing such systems extensively.
The Chief Minister also suggested exploring the inclusion of school board examination performance in competitive selection processes to reduce excessive dependence on single entrance examinations.
He emphasised ensuring equal opportunities for students from JKBOSE, CBSE and ICSE boards.
Highlighting concerns regarding interviews and viva-voce examinations, Omar called for mechanisms to make evaluation more objective, transparent and accountable.
Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education, Ram Niwas Sharma, presented details of examination reform initiatives and arrangements for national-level examinations in J&K.
The meeting discussed the Task Force’s mandate to recommend reforms in examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency, including NEET-UG, JEE (Main), CUET-UG and UGC-NET.
Discussions covered examination security, institutional governance, emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain, inclusivity and student well-being.
Security arrangements for NEET-UG 2026, including question paper transportation, CCTV surveillance, police deployment and examination-centre monitoring, were also reviewed.
Reforms undertaken by JKPSC, JKSSB, universities and other institutions were discussed, focusing on transparent evaluation, timely results and preventing malpractices.
The Chief Minister assured full government support to the Task Force, reiterating that reforms must ensure a credible, student-friendly examination system based entirely on merit.