NTA begins major security overhaul with 600 experts replaced, four-tier paper checks introduced

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is strengthening its examination systems with sweeping changes to its workforce, question-paper scrutiny and physical security infrastructure, as the center seeks to improve the credibility of high-stakes entrance and eligibility tests.

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, during a follow-up review meeting on the NTA, directed officials to ensure that all required security arrangements and infrastructure are in place for the smooth and credible conduct of national-level examinations.

NTA Director General briefed the Minister on measures being implemented by the agency. As part of the overhaul, 600 experts have been removed and new experts inducted.

The agency is also introducing a four-tier system for checking question papers to strengthen quality control and reduce the possibility of errors.

Around 20-25 officials are expected to join the agency over the next two to three weeks. The broader plan for further induction was also discussed during the review.

NTA offices are, meanwhile, being relocated on a priority basis, with enhanced security arrangements, including the deployment of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel.

The latest measures come amid continued scrutiny of the NTA's examination and administrative processes. Set up in 2017 as an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education, the agency conducts major examinations, including NEET-UG, JEE Main, UGC-NET and CUET.

The NTA was established to bring greater efficiency, transparency and technology-driven processes to examinations that were earlier conducted by different boards and institutions.

However, a series of controversies has raised questions over its internal safeguards and examination security.

The NEET-UG 2024 paper leak and other alleged irregularities triggered widespread protests and a CBI investigation. The examination was subsequently cancelled and re-conducted after evidence emerged of a question paper leak involving subject experts.

The agency has also faced fresh criticism over UGC-NET. NTA recently announced the re-conduct of papers in Sociology, Commerce and English after errors were detected in the original question papers, prompting concerns over question-paper preparation and verification.

Joshi, who took charge of the Education Ministry in late July, has since placed greater emphasis on restructuring the NTA. At a high-level review meeting on Aug 17, officials were directed to undertake a comprehensive audit of examination processes, follow established protocols strictly and overhaul the Confidential Operations (CONOPS) architecture.

The earlier review had called for stronger safeguards in sensitive examination areas, including secluded rooms, air-gapped computer systems and mandatory device-deposit protocols.

Officials had also reported the removal of more than 50 staff members and plans to recruit professionals for key positions.

The proposed leadership positions include Chief Technology Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Information Security Officer and General Managers overseeing Test Security and R&D and Psychometrics.

Specialists from the private sector are also being brought in for areas such as cybersecurity, psychometrics and question-paper design.

The latest measures extend the reforms to both personnel and physical infrastructure. Replacing a large number of experts is aimed at addressing vulnerabilities identified during previous investigations, particularly those involving individuals with access to confidential examination material.

The four-tier paper-checking system is expected to add multiple levels of independent scrutiny before question papers are finalized. At the same time, the recruitment drive and relocation of NTA offices under enhanced security are intended to strengthen the agency's operational environment.

The Ministry's broader objective is to combine tighter personnel controls, layered question-paper verification and stronger physical safeguards as it works to restore confidence in the examinations taken by millions of students each year.