NTA's exam overhaul: 5,000 experts, question bank, tighter security checks

The NTA has empanelled more than 5,000 experts and is building a question bank to secure national examinations. The overhaul follows the NEET UG 2026 paper leak controversy and accompanies a wider review led by Nandan Nilekani.

In Short

• Experts will handle translation, vetting, answer keys and psychometric validation
• Credentials will be verified, with selected specialists signing non-disclosure agreements
• NTA reportedly removed around 600 subject experts during its restructuring exercise

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has empanelled more than 5,000 academicians, scientists, researchers, educators and translators to strengthen question paper preparation and tighten examination security following the NEET UG 2026 paper leak controversy, according to The Indian Express.

The experts, according to reports, will be involved in question paper setting, translation, vetting, answer-key verification, curriculum mapping and psychometric validation. The agency is also developing a large question bank from which questions can be selected shortly before examinations, reducing the risk of advance access to the final paper.

The empanelment process includes verification of academic qualifications, professional experience and research credentials. Selected experts will also have to sign non-disclosure agreements before undertaking assignments. The NTA has reportedly removed around 600 subject experts as part of its wider restructuring exercise.

NILEKANI PANEL GETS EXTENSION TILL JANUARY 2027

The changes come alongside a broader review of the country's examination system by a six-member task force headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani. The Centre has extended the panel's tenure until January 2027 to allow it more time to complete consultations and finalise its recommendations. The committee has reportedly received over 50,000 suggestions from students, parents, teachers and other stakeholders.

The panel is examining measures such as a secure digital question vault, random selection of questions and improved examination infrastructure. It has also consulted former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan as part of its review of examination reforms.

Meanwhile, the Centre has announced that NEET UG will move to the computer-based test (CBT) format from 2027. The proposed changes are aimed at addressing vulnerabilities in the examination process and restoring confidence among students.

The NTA conducts major national-level examinations, including NEET UG, JEE Main, CUET and UGC NET. The success of the ongoing reforms will depend on their implementation and the agency's ability to ensure transparency, confidentiality and fairness across examinations.

- Ends