Education Minister Pralhad Joshi's NTA overhaul

According to the details shared following the meeting, Joshi directed that all necessary security and related infrastructure be put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of examinations. The Ministry of Education identifies Joshi as the Union Education Minister.

The NTA subsequently apprised the minister of the steps taken by the agency. As part of the overhaul, the examination team has been revamped, with 600 experts removed and new experts being onboarded, according to the information provided.

What Happened

The agency will also introduce a four-tier question-paper checking system, aimed at strengthening scrutiny of examination papers before they are used in tests. NTA's existing framework already envisages multiple reviews of test items and involvement of subject experts and other testing professionals.

• NTA's current procurement listings also show active requirements related to round-the-clock security services, computer-based examinations, CCTV, frisking and examination monitoring, indicating a broader focus on strengthening examination infrastructure and security.

• The agency conducts major entrance and eligibility examinations including JEE (Main), NEET (UG), CUET (UG) and UGC-NET.

• The measures come as the NTA continues to emphasise examination integrity, transparency and security.

Key Details

The agency's offices will be shifted to new premises on a "war footing", with CISF teams to reinforce security, according to the details released after the meeting.

• In another staffing measure, 20 to 25 officials are expected to be inducted over the next two to three weeks, with a further induction plan also reviewed during the meeting.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge