Pralhad Joshi directs NTA exam security overhaul after UGC NET issues; 50+ staff removed, 10 roles opened

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set for an overhaul of its examination process and security systems following directions from Pralhad Joshi, union education minister, in response to issues surrounding the University Grants Commission - National Eligibility Test (UGC NET)

The union minister held a meeting with the secretary department of higher education, NTA director general and other senior officials to review measures taken by the agency after the recent UGC NET controversy.

The move came amid concerns over the conduct of the UGC-NET exam retests in English, Commerce and Sociology on September 9 and 10, 2026, after the cancellation of the June 2024 exam. The retest was ordered after an expert panel found translation errors, wrong questions, and repeated questions from previous exams. 

The meeting's focus was to reform the overall examination system, improving operational safeguards and ensuring that established protocols are followed strictly.

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NTA restructures staff, adds 10 leadership roles

As part of the examination overhaul, officials informed Prahlad Joshi that more than 50 staff members have been removed from the NTA. The agency also advertised 10 new professional leadership positions to strengthen its technical, financial and examination-security capabilities. Professionals are currently being onboarded for these roles.

Some of these positions include:

• Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
• Chief Finance Officer (CFO)
• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
• General Manager for Test Security
• General Manager for Research and Development and Psychometrics

NTA is also bringing in domain specialists from the private sector for specialised functions. These include cyber-security, psychometrics and question-paper design. The recruitment and induction of specialists are part of efforts to improve expertise across critical areas of exam management.

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NTA to revamp exam security

The education minister directed NTA to strictly follow established examination protocols and undertake a complete overhaul of its Confidential Operations (CONOPS) architecture. The overhaul will cover sensitive areas of examination operations, including the use of secluded rooms, air-gapped systems and strict device-deposit protocols.

These measures are intended to increase the protection of confidential examination material and restrict unauthorised access to systems and devices. Joshi directed NTA to implement these measures on a war footing, stressing the need for swift action for examination security.

NTA will submit a report to the government detailing the corrective action undertaken following the audit. The exercise is expected to cover both operational and security aspects of the exam management system.

The latest directions focus on enhancing the internal systems of the NTA, expanding specialised expertise and tightening safeguards around confidentiality of exam operations. The measures form a part of the government’s broader effort to improve the reliability, security and examination management conducted by the agency.