The National Testing Agency (NTA) is undertaking a major overhaul of its examination system, with around 600 experts being removed and new professionals brought on board as the Centre moves to strengthen exam security and infrastructure.
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi directed the agency to ensure that all necessary security arrangements, technological safeguards and infrastructure are in place for the smooth and secure conduct of examinations.
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The directions were issued during a review meeting on the NTA, where the agency’s Director General briefed the minister on the reforms being implemented.
Four-tier question-paper check introduced
As part of the restructuring, the NTA will introduce a four-tier scrutiny system for question papers. The mechanism is aimed at strengthening the review process and reducing the possibility of errors before papers reach candidates.
The agency also informed the meeting that 20 to 25 officials are expected to be inducted over the next two to three weeks. Its broader recruitment and onboarding strategy was also reviewed.
The NTA has already begun restructuring its workforce. Officials informed the minister that more than 50 staff members had been removed from the agency, while the overall examination team is undergoing a wider revamp involving around 600 experts.
New leadership roles and specialist recruitment
The agency has advertised 10 professional leadership positions as part of efforts to bring specialised expertise into its operations.
Among the positions are Chief Technology Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, General Manager (Test Security) and General Manager (Research and Development and Psychometrics).
The NTA is currently working on onboarding professionals for these roles.
Domain specialists from the private sector are also being brought in for specialised areas such as cybersecurity, psychometrics and question-paper design, with the aim of strengthening technical and examination-related expertise.
NTA offices to get enhanced security
The minister directed that NTA offices be shifted to new premises on a priority basis, with security arrangements strengthened through the deployment of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) teams.
Joshi also instructed the agency to strictly follow established examination protocols and ordered a comprehensive overhaul of its Confidential Operations (CONOPS) architecture.
The revised security framework will include secluded rooms, air-gapped computer systems and device-deposit protocols to minimise the risk of unauthorised access or information leaks during confidential examination operations.
Comprehensive audit ordered
The review came a day after Joshi held discussions with the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, NTA Director General and other senior officials to assess the measures being taken following recent issues involving the examination agency.
During the latest review, the minister directed the NTA to conduct a comprehensive audit of all examination processes.
The agency has been asked to submit a detailed report outlining the corrective measures implemented following the audit.
(Inputs from NDTV)
Edited by: Moonmoon Borah
