The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been directed to conduct a comprehensive audit of all its examination processes and submit a report detailing the corrective measures taken, the Union Education Ministry said on Monday.

The directive came a day after the agency cancelled the UGC-NET examinations for English, Commerce and Sociology following several factual, typographical and translation errors in the question papers. Two months earlier, NTA had also cancelled the May 3 NEET-UG examination after a paper leak was reported.

NTA Ordered to Audit All Exam Processes

The order to the NTA was issued during a meeting chaired by Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi.

“Education Minister Shri @JoshiPralhad held a meeting with the Secretary, Department of Higher Education, DG @NTA_Exams, and other senior officials. The Minister was apprised on the steps taken by NTA in the wake of recent issues, particularly with reference to reforming the overall system,” the ministry posted on X.

“NTA has been directed to conduct a thorough audit of all exam processes and submit a report on corrective action taken,” it added.

The ministry said more than 50 NTA staff members have been removed. It also said that experts from the private sector are being brought in for specialised areas such as cyber-security, psychometrics and question-paper design.

New Professional Positions to Strengthen NTA

“Ten new professional leadership positions (Chief Technology Officer, Chief Finance Officer, CISO, GM, Test Security, GM, R&D and Psychometrics, and others) have been advertised and are being onboarded,” it said.

Focus on Stronger Exam Security

At the meeting, Joshi directed officials to ensure strict compliance with all established examination protocols. He also called for a complete overhaul of the Confidential Operations (CONOPS) system.

The minister directed that measures such as secluded rooms, air-gapped systems and device-deposit protocols be implemented on a priority basis to strengthen examination security.