NTA Reform: Over 50 employees removed in connection with NEET-UG paper leak allegations and UGC-NET exam errors.
New Delhi: The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Monday launched its biggest examination reform drive after facing criticism over NEET-UG paper leak allegations and UGC-NET exam errors. More than 50 employees have been removed, while cybersecurity experts and senior professionals are being brought in to rebuild trust in India’s competitive exam system.
The Education Ministry has ordered a complete review of NTA’s examination framework, focusing on paper security, technology upgrades, confidential operations and stricter accountability measures to prevent future exam failures.
The decision comes after months of scrutiny over the functioning of the National Testing Agency, which conducts some of India’s biggest entrance and eligibility examinations, including NEET-UG and UGC-NET.
During a high-level review meeting, Education Minister Pralhad Joshi was briefed about the corrective steps being taken by the agency. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education and NTA.
Officials informed the Minister that more than 50 NTA employees had been removed as part of the restructuring process. The agency has also started hiring professionals for 10 key leadership positions to improve examination management and security.
The NTA is creating specialised positions to bring technical expertise into the examination system. The newly advertised posts include Chief Technology Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, General Manager for Test Security and General Manager for Research and Development and Psychometrics.
The move reflects a shift towards a technology-driven examination model where cybersecurity, data protection and scientific evaluation methods will play a bigger role. Experts from the private sector are also being brought into areas such as cybersecurity, question paper design, digital security and psychometric analysis.
The Education Ministry has directed the NTA to overhaul its confidential operations architecture, which manages sensitive examination processes. The new security framework will focus on strengthening isolated systems, secure examination rooms, restricted access protocols and device management procedures. The ministry has also directed the agency to implement these measures on priority and ensure strict compliance with existing examination guidelines.
A complete audit of NTA’s examination processes has been ordered to identify weaknesses and prepare a detailed report on corrective measures.
The reform push gained momentum after the NTA announced a re-examination for three UGC-NET June 2026 papers following complaints from candidates. An internal review committee found several issues, including factual errors, translation mistakes, typographical problems, incorrect terminology and repeated questions. The affected subjects include English, Commerce and Sociology.
The English and Commerce papers will be conducted again on September 9, while the Sociology examination will be held on September 10. Candidates appearing for the re-test will not be required to pay any additional examination fee.
The latest changes come after the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examination, where allegations of paper leaks raised serious questions over exam security and transparency. The issue triggered student protests and political debate, putting pressure on the government and the examination authority to strengthen the system. The government has now shifted focus towards improving accountability, upgrading technology infrastructure and ensuring that examination protocols are followed at every stage.
Every year, millions of students depend on NTA-conducted examinations for medical admissions, research opportunities, teaching eligibility and higher education. Any failure in question paper security, evaluation process or examination management can directly impact the careers of lakhs of aspirants. The latest overhaul aims to create a more secure examination ecosystem where technology, cybersecurity and professional expertise can reduce the possibility of errors and malpractice.
The NTA will conduct a detailed audit of its examination operations and submit a report on the corrective actions implemented. The agency is expected to strengthen cyber protection systems, introduce specialised teams and improve monitoring mechanisms for sensitive examination processes. The government’s latest measures indicate a major transformation in India’s competitive examination system, with greater focus on transparency, security and restoring students’ confidence.
