Govt plans biggest NTA reset yet after NEET row, 47 officials removed: Sources

The Centre is preparing the biggest overhaul of the National Testing Agency (NTA) since its formation, with sweeping structural reforms expected over the next month following the NEET-UG controversy. According to government sources, around 47 personnel have already been removed from the agency as part of the restructuring exercise.The NTA conducts around 15 to 20 national-level examinations, including NEET UG, JEE Main and CUET, making it one of India's largest examination bodies.STAFF RESHUFFLE ON CARDSSources said some of the 47 officials identified for removal could also face disciplinary action as the government moves to tighten accountability within the agency.The proposed changes are aimed at fundamentally restructuring the organisation rather than making isolated personnel changes. OUTSOURCING MODEL TO CHANGEA major focus of the revamp will be the way the NTA outsources examination-related work.According to sources, the government plans to change the way the NTA sources and outsources examination-related work to improve oversight, strengthen accountability and reduce vulnerabilities during the conduct of examinations.LEAK-PROOF EXAM SYSTEM PLANNED The reforms will be based on the recommendations of an expert committee constituted to suggest improvements to India's examination system.Sources said the government plans to introduce both structural and technological reforms to create a leak-proof examination ecosystem while improving transparency and accountability across the agency.The proposed overhaul comes after months of scrutiny of the NTA following the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, which sparked nationwide protests and renewed demands for comprehensive reforms in India's examination system.If implemented as planned, the changes would mark the most significant restructuring of the NTA since the agency was established, with the government aiming to strengthen the integrity and security of high-stakes national entrance examinations.- EndsPublished By: Prateek ChakrabortyPublished On: Jul 24, 2026 19:16 IST