New Delhi, August 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to conduct a comprehensive audit of its entire examination system and take corrective measures after renewed concerns emerged over the conduct of some exams.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on the functioning of the testing agency, Joshi directed officials to examine every stage of the examination process, identify shortcomings and submit a report detailing the corrective action taken, the Ministry of Education said.
The minister also ordered strict adherence to established examination rules and called for a complete overhaul of the agency’s confidential operations architecture on a war footing. The review included measures involving separate rooms, air-gapped computer systems and protocols for depositing electronic devices.
The meeting focused particularly on strengthening security arrangements at different levels to protect question papers and other sensitive examination material. Systems isolated from external networks are to be used to reduce the risk of unauthorised access to confidential examination content.
Officials informed Joshi that more than 50 personnel had been removed from the NTA. The agency has also advertised 10 new professional leadership positions and begun the process of onboarding candidates.
The positions include Chief Technology Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, General Manager for Examination Security and General Manager for Research and Development and Psychometrics, among others.
The NTA is also bringing domain specialists from the private sector to strengthen its technical and professional capabilities in areas including cybersecurity, psychometrics, question-paper design and other specialised fields.
The review came a day after the NTA announced that it would re-conduct the UGC-NET examinations for English, Sociology and Commerce after errors were detected in the question papers. The development has added to concerns surrounding the agency’s handling of competitive examinations.
Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, NTA Director General and other senior officials attended Monday’s review meeting.
FOLLOW NOW
