The National Testing Agency (NTA) has responded to criticism regarding the cost of challenging exam answer keys, explaining that the system is designed to correct genuine errors for all candidates—not just the one who raises the objection.
Key Clarifications from the NTA
- Universal Benefit: If a single candidate successfully challenges a question and subject experts confirm the error, the revised answer key applies to every student who took the exam.
- Fee Refunds for Valid Objections: Candidates are charged ₹200 per question to submit a challenge. However, this fee is fully refunded if the objection is accepted by experts.
- Deterrent for Unnecessary Claims: According to the NTA, the fee exists purely to prevent frivolous or spam challenges, rather than to generate revenue.
Student and Educator Concerns
The agency's clarification follows visits by educators and aspirants to the NTA office to highlight the financial burden placed on candidates.
Student Suchitra Srivastava noted that during her Political Science exam, 14 basic questions were found to be erroneous. At ₹200 per question, challenging all 14 would cost ₹2,800—a steep amount for middle-class students who must pay upfront before any potential refund.
Source: NDTV
