India Orders Overhaul of National Testing Agency Exam System

India's Education Minister Pralhad Joshi has ordered a comprehensive overhaul of the National Testing Agency's examination system, directing a complete audit and the implementation of stricter security protocols on a war footing. The directive came during a high-level review meeting on August 17, 2026, held in response to recent issues, including the ordering of a retest for three subjects of the UGC-NET June 2026 examination due to extensive errors in the question papers.

During the meeting with the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, the NTA Director General, and other senior officials, Minister Joshi was briefed on the steps being taken by the agency to reform its overall system. Officials informed the Minister that more than 50 NTA staff members have been removed as part of measures to strengthen the organization. The agency is also onboarding new professional leadership, with ten specialized positions advertised, including Chief Technology Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, and general managers for test security, research and development, and psychometrics.

To further bolster expertise, the NTA is bringing in domain specialists...