NEW DELHI: The Centre has stepped up efforts to overhaul the National Testing Agency (NTA) following concerns over irregularities in examinations, including the UGC-NET.
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday reviewed the agency’s reform measures at a meeting with the Higher Education Department secretary, NTA director general and senior officials.
Officials briefed the minister on steps being taken to strengthen the examination system. As part of the restructuring, more than 50 NTA personnel have been removed, while the agency has started hiring professionals for key positions.
The recruitment drive covers 10 specialised posts, including chief technology officer, chief financial officer and chief information security officer. Positions related to examination security, research and psychometrics are also being filled.
The agency is also seeking expertise from the private sector in areas such as cybersecurity, psychometrics and question-paper design to strengthen its examination processes.
Joshi directed officials to ensure strict compliance with examination protocols and ordered a comprehensive review of security arrangements. The review will cover confidential operations, restricted examination areas, air-gapped systems and procedures for handling electronic devices.
The minister further instructed the NTA to conduct a detailed audit of all examination-related processes and submit a report on the corrective measures undertaken.
Education Minister Shri @JoshiPralhad held a meeting with the Secretary, Department of Higher Education, DG @NTA_Exams, and other senior officials.
The Minister was apprised on the steps taken by NTA in the wake of recent issues, particularly with reference to reforming the… pic.twitter.com/D5r5jSY0q0
— Ministry of Education (@EduMinOfIndia) August 17, 2026
The latest steps are aimed at making the agency’s examination system more secure, transparent and reliable while rebuilding confidence among students, parents and other stakeholders.
The government’s reform push comes amid increased scrutiny of the NTA’s functioning and demands for stronger safeguards in the conduct of major competitive examinations.
