NTA gets an AI-enabled helpline to answer students’ queries

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is transforming a toll-free helpline, originally established by the High Power Task Force (HPTF) for gathering suggestions on examination reforms, into an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled customer service platform for addressing examination-related inquiries from students. The helpline number, 1800 180 47 47, was initially allocated by the NTA and later handed over to the HPTF in August. The task force solicited suggestions from stakeholders, mandating their submission by September 13.

However, following the receipt of these suggestions and the ongoing work on the final report, the toll-free number remains inactive. Consequently, the agency has decided to repurpose the helpline for the NTA's helpdesk. The transformation will incorporate AI features to facilitate students in asking questions in any language, receiving responses based on data available within the NTA's backend.

This development aims to assist students who experience challenges navigating websites and face language barriers, particularly for regional students.

The AI-enabled helpline is an integral component of the NTA's ongoing transformation, overseen by a six-member HPTF. The initiative addresses the recent student protests over NEET-UG paper leaks, which ultimately resulted in Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Students can pose queries such as 'When is JEE?', 'When is the UGC-NET examination?', 'How do I fill the form?', 'How much fee do I have to pay?', 'What documents are required?', 'What is the last date?', among others.