Testing Agency Begins Structural Overhaul Amid Nationwide Protests Over Exam Integrity
New Delhi (Economy India): In a sweeping crackdown following the NEET paper leak controversy, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has terminated 47 officials and is preparing to initiate legal and criminal proceedings against several individuals allegedly linked to irregularities, according to senior government officials.
The action marks one of the biggest internal reforms undertaken by the examination body as the government attempts to restore public confidence in India’s competitive examination system.
NTA Set for Major Overhaul
Officials said the dismissals are part of a broader restructuring of the NTA.
“The NTA is set to undergo an overhaul and more reformative actions will follow. At least 47 officials have been terminated, and legal and criminal action will be initiated against some of them,” a senior official said.
The move comes just a day after Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi was transferred to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, signalling wider administrative changes in the education sector.
Recruitment Drive Underway
As part of institutional reforms, the NTA has initiated fresh recruitment to strengthen its functioning.
The agency has:
- Invited applications for General Manager-level positions.
- Opened recruitment for 16 Young Professionals through the UPSC’s Pratibha Setu portal.
- Issued an Expression of Interest for empanelling new Subject Matter Experts and Translators.
- Planned additional recruitment across 10 functional verticals recommended by the High-Level Committee of Experts.
Officials said these measures aim to improve the agency’s academic, operational, technological and governance capabilities.
Student Protests Continue
The controversy has sparked widespread protests across the country, with large demonstrations continuing at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Students and opposition parties have demanded:
- Accountability for examination irregularities.
- Reforms in the examination system.
- Action against those responsible.
- Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The recent CBSE digital evaluation glitches have further intensified criticism of the examination system.
Government Focuses on Restoring Trust
The Centre has indicated that the latest actions are part of a long-term strategy to improve transparency, strengthen examination security and restore credibility to India’s national testing framework.
(Economy India)
