The government has announced a major overhaul of the National Testing Agency (NTA) examination system, with stricter question paper scrutiny, changes to the examination team and tighter security at NTA offices.
As part of the revamp, around 600 experts have been removed from the examination team and new experts are being brought in. The agency is also introducing a four-tier question paper checking system aimed at improving scrutiny and reducing the risk of errors and irregularities.
The changes were reviewed during a meeting chaired by Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi. The NTA Director General subsequently briefed the Education Ministry on the measures being implemented to strengthen examination security and infrastructure.
Under the staffing overhaul, around 20 to 25 officials are expected to be inducted into the NTA over the next two to three weeks. Further changes to the examination team are also being planned.
The four-tier question paper review system is intended to add additional layers of scrutiny to the question-setting and checking process. The NTA already uses subject experts and testing professionals in the development and review of examination questions.
The NTA conducts several major national-level examinations, including JEE Main, NEET UG, CUET UG and UGC-NET. The latest changes come amid concerns over examination irregularities and paper-related controversies involving national entrance and eligibility tests.
Security at NTA offices is also being strengthened. The agency plans to shift its offices to new premises, with CISF teams being deployed to enhance security. The procurement requirements include round-the-clock security services, CCTV surveillance, frisking and examination monitoring.
The overhaul also includes measures for computer-based examinations and stronger controls around confidential examination operations. The government is seeking to strengthen the overall examination infrastructure and improve confidence in the conduct of national-level tests.
The latest steps follow an earlier directive to conduct a comprehensive audit of NTA's examination processes and submit a corrective-action report within 30 days. The review came after errors in UGC-NET June 2026 question papers resulted in re-examinations in three subjects.
The government has also called for strict compliance with examination protocols and a complete overhaul of the NTA's Confidential Operations architecture. The proposed changes include secluded rooms, air-gapped computer systems and protocols for depositing electronic devices.
The measures are aimed at creating a more secure and closely monitored examination system while addressing concerns over question paper security, operational procedures and examination integrity.
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