Edu Minister Pralhad Joshi cracks down on NTA, orders exam system overhaul

The Ministry of Education has announced a series of measures to overhaul the National Testing Agency (NTA), with Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi directing stricter adherence to examination protocols, a revamp of confidential operations and a comprehensive audit of all exam processes following recent UGC NET-related issues.

Joshi held a review meeting with the Secretary, Department of Higher Education, the NTA Director General and other senior officials to assess the steps being taken to strengthen the agency’s overall functioning and examination security.

The reforms also include changes to the NTA’s leadership structure and the recruitment of specialised professionals in key areas.

According to the Ministry of Education, more than 50 staff members have been removed from the NTA as part of the



ongoing reforms. The move is among several measures aimed at restructuring the agency and strengthening accountability.

The ministry said the NTA is also introducing a new professional leadership structure to improve its technical, financial, security and examination capabilities.

Moreover, the education ministry also informed that ten specialised leadership positions have been advertised and are currently being filled. These include posts such as Chief Technology Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, General Manager for Test Security and General Manager for Research and Development and Psychometrics.

The new positions are intended to bring greater professional expertise into the agency and strengthen its ability to conduct large-scale examinations securely and efficiently.