The National Testing Agency (NTA) has terminated the services of 47 officials as part of a major restructuring exercise aimed at strengthening the integrity of India’s examination system. The agency has also announced that legal and criminal proceedings will be initiated against some of those removed from service, with additional reform measures expected in the coming weeks, according to ANI.
The action is part of the Centre’s wider effort to overhaul the NTA following a series of controversies, including the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, which sparked nationwide protests and raised concerns over the credibility of national-level examinations.
NTA to Undergo Comprehensive Overhaul
The Union government has begun implementing an extensive reform plan for the NTA based on the recommendations of an expert committee. The overhaul, expected to be completed over the next month, aims to create a secure and leak-proof examination system by introducing structural, administrative and technological changes.
The proposed reforms are intended to improve transparency, accountability and operational efficiency while restoring public trust in the agency, which conducts 15 to 20 national-level entrance and recruitment examinations, including NEET and JEE.
Outsourcing System Under Review
One of the key areas identified for reform is the NTA’s outsourcing framework. According to reports, the government plans to revamp the agency’s outsourcing processes to strengthen oversight, reduce operational vulnerabilities and improve accountability in the conduct of examinations.
The changes are expected to significantly reshape the agency’s functioning and tighten safeguards against irregularities.
Tougher Punishment for Exam Malpractices
The latest developments come amid continuing protests over the NEET paper leak controversy.
Earlier on Friday, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
The proposed amendments are expected to provide for stricter punishments, including longer prison terms and higher financial penalties for those involved in examination fraud. The government is also considering provisions for fast-track court trials to ensure quicker disposal of such cases, with an emphasis on delivering punishment within three months.
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