NTA OVERHAUL: 600 SUBJECT EXPERTS REMOVED AFTER UGC-NET ERRORS
August 19, 2026
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has initiated a massive operational and administrative revamp, removing 600 subject experts from its examination team following widespread criticism over repeated errors and question paper flaws, according to reports by The Print.
KEY RESTRUCTURING MEASURES
The sweeping overhaul follows a directive from Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, who ordered a comprehensive system audit and strict accountability measures in the wake of the latest controversies:
· Expert Panel Purge: Approximately 600 subject-matter experts linked to test-development and paper-setting frameworks have been removed, with a new panel currently being onboarded. Additionally, over 50 staff members have been stripped of confidential duties.
· Four-Tier Scrutiny System: The NTA is introducing a rigorous four-tier question paper checking system to ensure enhanced editorial oversight, accuracy, and security before examinations are finalized and administered.
· Leadership and Staff Induction: Plans are underway to induct 20 to 25 senior officials over the coming weeks, alongside filling newly advertised specialized leadership positions, including a Chief Technology Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, and General Managers for Test Security.
· Relocation and Physical Security: The NTA's primary offices are being shifted to secure new premises at Minto Road in New Delhi, where security operations will be reinforced directly by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
The drastic administrative corrective actions follow the NTA's decision to re-conduct portions of the UGC-NET examinations for English, Commerce, and Sociology due to multiple severe errors found in the question papers. This latest lapse compounded mounting public and political scrutiny on the testing agency, which faced severe backlash earlier following irregularities and paper leaks in major national tests like NEET-UG.
