Education Minister's NTA overhaul: 600 experts removed, 4-tier paper checks planned

Following a review, Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi directed the NTA to strengthen examination security and paper scrutiny. The measures include changes to the examination team, a 4-tier question paper checking system and tighter office security, with implementation currently underway.Education Minister Pralhad Joshi has directed a complete overhaul of the NTA, under which 600 experts are to be removed and a four-tier question paper checking system is to be put in place.The NTA subsequently apprised the minister of the steps taken by the agency."A revamp of the examination team was undertaken with 600 experts being removed and new experts being onboarded," the Ministry of Education said in a post on X.NTA's existing framework already envisages multiple reviews of test items and involvement of subject experts and other testing professionals in question development. In another staffing measure, 20 to 25 officials are expected to be inducted over the next two to three weeks, with a further induction plan also reviewed during the meeting.Security at NTA's offices is also set to be strengthened. The agency's offices will be shifted to new premises on a "war footing", with CISF teams to reinforce security, according to the details released after the meeting.The measures come as the NTA continues to emphasise examination integrity, transparency and security. The agency conducts major entrance and eligibility examinations including JEE (Main), NEET (UG), CUET (UG) and UGC-NET.NTA's current procurement listings also show active requirements related to round-the-clock security services, computer-based examinations, CCTV, frisking and examination monitoring, indicating a broader focus on strengthening examination infrastructure and security.The latest measures, however, are announcements of steps being undertaken rather than evidence that the reforms have already been fully implemented.The effectiveness of the proposed four-tier scrutiny system, the new staffing arrangements and enhanced security will depend on their execution and sustained oversight.- EndsPublished By: Rishab ChauhanPublished On: Aug 18, 2026 21:11 IST