After NEET paper leak row, NTA moves to expand examination center network

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has invited schools, colleges, universities and private examination service providers to apply for empanelment as examination centers for conducting its upcoming tests across the country.

The initiative is part of the agency's efforts to expand its examination infrastructure for Computer-Based Tests (CBT) and Pen-and-Paper Tests (PPT). Eligible institutions and organizations can submit their applications online by Dec 6, 2026.

Through an Expression of Interest (EoI), the examination authority aims to increase the availability of test centers and strengthen arrangements for conducting national-level examinations. The move comes as NTA continues efforts to overhaul its examination system after the NEET paper leak controversy.

According to the official notification, institutions seeking empanelment must fulfill the infrastructure requirements prescribed for the examination format they intend to accommodate. The agency has also opened a separate application process for individuals interested in serving as examination observers.

NTA exam center empanelment 2026: Who can apply?

NTA has extended the invitation to different categories of educational institutions and organizations that can provide the required facilities for conducting examinations.

The following institutions and service providers are eligible to submit applications:

1. Government schools.
2. Government-aided schools.
3. Private schools.
4. Government and private colleges.
5. Government and private universities.
6. Institutions of National Importance, including Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), and All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
7. Polytechnics.
8. Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
9. Educational and training institutions.
10. Government training and skill development centers.
11. Computer-Based Test service providers operating dedicated examination centers.
12. Other organizations that meet the infrastructure standards specified by the agency.

Eligible institutions can apply to become part of NTA's examination network for tests conducted in both computer-based and pen-and-paper formats.

NTA exam center requirements: Workstations and seating capacity

The examination authority has prescribed separate infrastructure standards for institutions interested in hosting CBT and PPT examinations. Applicants must meet the requirements applicable to their chosen examination format.

For Computer-Based Tests, institutions are generally required to provide at least 285 workstations per shift. They must also have a minimum of four separate computer laboratories or examination halls.

Each laboratory or hall should have at least 30 workstations, or an equivalent configuration, to accommodate candidates during the examinations.

However, institutions with fewer than 285 workstations are also permitted to submit applications. NTA has clarified that such centers will be considered only in locations where the availability of examination infrastructure is limited.

For Pen-and-Paper Tests, applicants must have a minimum seating capacity of 250 candidates per shift. They are also required to provide at least six separate examination halls.

Each hall must be capable of accommodating at least 40 candidates, or have an equivalent seating arrangement. These requirements are intended to ensure that institutions have sufficient space and facilities to conduct examinations.

The prescribed infrastructure specifications will help the agency assess whether applicants can accommodate candidates and facilitate examination arrangements in accordance with the requirements for each test format.

NTA invites applications for examination observers

Apart from expanding its examination center network, NTA has invited online applications from eligible individuals for empanelment as observers during various examinations conducted by the agency.

Both serving and retired personnel from government institutions across the country can apply for these positions, subject to the eligibility conditions specified by NTA.

The observers will be deployed during examinations conducted in CBT and PPT formats. Their responsibilities will include monitoring examination-related activities, overseeing arrangements at test centers and ensuring that prescribed procedures are followed during the tests.

Eligible personnel interested in these assignments can submit their applications through the Observer Management Portal.

How to apply for NTA exam center empanelment?

Educational institutions, universities and examination service providers interested in joining NTA's examination network can submit their Expressions of Interest through the official portal at eoi.nta.gov.in.

Applicants should review the detailed Expression of Interest notification before beginning the application process.

The document contains information about eligibility conditions, infrastructure specifications, documentation requirements and the procedure for submitting applications.

The official notification is available on the NTA website at https://nta.ac.in/Download/Notice/Notice_20261107190824.pdf.

Institutions should ensure that their facilities meet the prescribed workstation and seating requirements before submitting their applications.

The last date to apply for NTA examination center empanelment is December 6, 2026. Interested institutions and service providers are required to complete the online submission process within the specified deadline.

Separately, eligible serving and retired government personnel seeking empanelment as examination observers can apply through the designated Observer Management Portal.