The National Testing Agency has terminated the services of 47 officials as part of a complete overhaul of the examination body, which has been embroiled in controversy over alleged paper leaks and other irregularities in recent months. Sources have indicated that legal and criminal proceedings will also be initiated against some of these officials.
According to senior officials familiar with the developments, the move forms part of a wider restructuring exercise aimed at strengthening accountability within the NTA and restoring public confidence in the national-level examination system. “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 decision comes against the backdrop of widespread protests by students and political parties over leak of NEET-UG examination paper and related concerns about the integrity of competitive tests conducted by the agency. The agency has faced intense scrutiny following the paper leak, prompting the government to push for systemic reforms.
Officials maintained that the restructuring is intended to overhaul the functioning of the NTA comprehensively, with further measures expected in the coming weeks to enhance the security and transparency of examination processes.
The development forms part of several steps taken by the Modi government to prevent paper leaks and other irregularities in competitive exams. The cabinet has approved a draft amendment that increases punishment for such crimes, and has made provision for fast-track courts for speedy trial of such cases. The proposed amendment Bill is likely to be taken up for consideration and passage in Parliament on Monday.
The Union government also replaced the Education Secretary yesterday. A Fast Track Court has already been set up at Rouse Avenue Court to try offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of unfair means ) Act, 2024 and other related offences.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Friday met with representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and assured them that the government will respond to their demands related to examinations. The govt has accepted two of their three demands, but is not agreeing to the removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, leading to the continuation of the protests.
