New Delhi: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set for a major overhaul, with more than 50 staff members removed and sweeping changes ordered across its examination and confidential operations following recent issues that raised concerns over the integrity and security of competitive examinations.
Education Minister Pralhad Joshi held a high-level meeting on August 18, with the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, NTA Director General and other senior officials to review the steps taken by the agency and assess measures aimed at reforming its overall examination system.
During the meeting, the Minister was informed that more than 50 NTA staff members had been removed as part of the ongoing reform process.
The Centre is also strengthening the agency’s professional leadership. Ten new senior positions have been advertised and are in the process of being filled. These include roles such as Chief Technology Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, General Manager for Test Security, and senior positions in research and development and psychometrics.
The NTA is also bringing in domain specialists from the private sector to strengthen critical areas including cyber-security, psychometrics and question-paper design.
Joshi directed officials to ensure strict compliance with established examination protocols, signalling a tougher approach towards lapses in the conduct and security of examinations.
A major overhaul of the agency’s Confidential Operations (CONOPS) architecture has also been ordered on a war footing. The measures include strengthening secluded rooms, deploying air-gapped systems and enforcing strict device-deposit protocols to secure sensitive examination processes and prevent unauthorised access.
The Minister further directed the NTA to undertake a thorough audit of all examination processes and submit a detailed report outlining the corrective measures taken.
The developments come amid heightened scrutiny of the NTA and concerns surrounding the conduct, security and reliability of major national-level examinations. The latest measures indicate that the government is seeking to strengthen institutional accountability, technology infrastructure and operational safeguards within the agency.
The Ministry of Education said the meeting focused particularly on reforming the overall system, with the NTA being directed to move swiftly on corrective action.
