Who is Prof. V. Kamakoti? IIT Madras Director Appointed to the NTA Exam Reform Task Force

Prof. V. Kamakoti: Prof. V. Kamakoti is a renowned computer scientist, Director of IIT Madras and the man who brought into existence 'Shakti', which is the first indigenous microprocessor developed in India. Given his immense experience in VLSI Design, computer architecture and information security, he has been a key contributor in making India less dependent on semiconductors that were manufactured abroad. His distinguished career as an academician at IIT Madras ended when he became its Director in January 2022 apart from being on other prestigious advisory committees like that of National Security Advisory Board. 

Making use of his rich experience of technology and cybersecurity, he is working in his capacity as a national leader to bring about solid structural changes along with transparent digital evaluation and anti-tampering mechanism in the scenario of national entrance examinations. Other than his achievements in academics and technology, some of the personal accomplishments of Prof. Kamakoti include a major change of course from his passion for cricket to Carnatic violin due to loss of vision in one eye during childhood and subsequent breaking of academic records thereafter.

NTA Restructuring: NTA Leadership Roles: Details of senior posts and responsibilities 

The High-Powered Committee recommended that NTA revamp its structure to ensure strict control over operations. Important roles under NTA include the position of Director General for the implementation of policies, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for handling digital encryption and cybersecurity measures, Director of Security for overseeing the transportation of paper-based exams, and Examination Control Directors for ensuring integrity of the examination process and addressing grievances.

What changes are being made in the 'Build New NTA' mission?

• Overhauling Senior Leadership Structure: Appointment of four additional General Managers to take charge of psychometrics, test network management, CISO cyber security, and forensics.  

• Appointing Specialized Executives: Recruitment of specialized Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), Chief Finance Officers (CFOs), and GM-HRs for administrative transformation.  

• Vigilance & Forensic Wing: Setting up of specialized vigilance and forensics wing to collaborate with CBI, IB, and law enforcement agencies.  

• Cyber Security Upgradation: Enhanced CISO supervision along with artificial intelligence-based integrity checks, biometric authentication, and full digital encryption of question paper.  

• Implementation of Radhakrishnan Panel Report: Adoption of over 100 structural, security, and governance recommendations of the High-Level Committee of Experts.  

• Tech Oversight with High Prowess: Agency functioning in tune with the recommendations of the recently set up high-powered task force by Nandan Nilekani.