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The National Testing Agency (NTA) has initiated a massive administrative crackdown following repeated controversies surrounding paper leaks and exam irregularities in major national entrance examinations like NEET-UG and UGC-NET. In a decisive move to restore institutional credibility, the testing agency has removed a team of around 600 experts and professors who were previously responsible for preparing and translating question papers.

Massive Overhaul and New Four-Tier System

To replace the ousted panel, the NTA is setting up an entirely new team of vetted academic experts. Alongside this restructuring, the agency has decided to drastically tighten its examination protocols by introducing a robust four-tier verification system. This multi-layered mechanism is specifically designed to eliminate any potential loopholes, completely sealing the question paper preparation and delivery process against leaks or unauthorized access.

Education Minister’s Intervention and NTA Restructuring

This strict action comes on the heels of a high-level review meeting where Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi reprimanded top NTA officials over recurring systemic flaws. The crisis intensified following massive protests and the cancellation of UGC-NET papers across subjects like English, Commerce, and Sociology, which severely questioned the agency’s operational integrity. Briefing the ministry on the corrective measures, NTA Director General Abhishek Singh confirmed that the examination team has been completely revamped. Additionally, the agency announced that 20 to 25 new specialized officers will be inducted within the next two to three weeks.

Enhanced Security and Relocation of NTA Headquarters

In a parallel move to bolster physical security, the Ministry of Education has ordered the shifting of the NTA headquarters from its current location in Okhla to a more secure facility on Minto Road in New Delhi. Furthermore, security at the headquarters will no longer be handled by private agencies; instead, heavily armed Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel will be deployed to restrict unauthorized movement and ensure foolproof protection of sensitive exam materials.

Ensuring Absolute Confidentiality for Millions of Aspirants

Handling dozens of major national examinations—including NEET-UG, UGC NET, CUET, and JEE Main—the NTA manages the academic futures of approximately 10 million students every year. The Ministry of Education has issued strict directives requiring air-gapped computer systems, ultra-secure handling rooms, and absolute adherence to established protocols. With previous steps including the removal of 50 contract workers and the dismissal of 50 officials, the government’s ongoing crackdown signals a zero-tolerance approach toward lapses in India’s competitive examination ecosystem.