NTA removes 47 officials as Centre steps up overhaul amid paper leak row

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has removed 47 officials from service as part of a major overhaul of the examination body following the controversy over alleged paper leaks, according to sources.

According to sources quoted by ANI, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has terminated the services of 47 officials as part of a major overhaul of the examination body. The sources added that legal and criminal action will also be initiated against some of the officials to strengthen accountability and restore confidence in the country's examination system.

"National Testing Agency has terminated 47 officials from their service. Legal and criminal actions will also be taken against some of these officials. This is part of a complete overhaul of NTA that has been in controversy over paper leaks," the sources told ANI.


The move comes a day after Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi was shunted out to the Panchayati Raj Ministry.

Outrage surrounding paper leaks and the CBSE digital evaluation glitches has triggered a series of shunting of top officials.

NTA overhaul follows paper leak controversy

The revamp of the NTA is part of a broader review of examination processes aimed at preventing future paper leaks.

The agency has faced intense scrutiny following allegations surrounding the NEET examination and growing calls for reforms to improve transparency and security.

The overhaul also follows the nationwide student agitation led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which demanded stricter action against those responsible for examination malpractices.

Changes to NTA outsourcing system likely

One of the key reforms under consideration is a review of the NTA's outsourcing model to strengthen the security of examinations and reduce the risk of paper leaks, sources said.

The proposed changes come a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Centre would introduce stronger legal measures, including fast-track courts, to ensure swift justice in paper leak cases.

NTA conducts major national entrance examinations

The National Testing Agency conducts more than 20 national-level entrance examinations, including:

• NEET
• Joint Entrance Examination (JEE)
• Common University Entrance Test (CUET)

The agency plays a central role in conducting admission and recruitment examinations for educational institutions across the country.

Cabinet approves Bill for stricter punishment in paper leak cases

Earlier on Friday, the Union Cabinet approved a draft Bill proposing tougher punishment for paper leaks and examination-related malpractices.

The proposed legislation is expected to be introduced in Parliament next week.

PM Modi announces stronger legal action against paper leaks

The latest developments come shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Centre had prepared a comprehensive draft Bill to introduce stricter provisions and harsher punishment for examination paper leaks.

In a video message on Thursday, the Prime Minister said the proposed legislation would strengthen the legal framework to curb organised examination fraud and ensure faster justice in cases involving paper leaks and examination malpractices.

Inputs from agencies