NTA tightens exam system; four-stage paper verification on cards

New Delhi: Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday reviewed the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and directed officials to strengthen security and infrastructure to ensure the smooth conduct of examinations.

The English, Commerce and Sociology UGC-NET examinations have been cancelled. Re-examinations for English and Commerce will be held on September 9, while the Sociology examination will be conducted on September 10.

Following the minister’s directions, NTA Director General Abhishek Singh reviewed the proposed reforms in the examination system. The examination team has been restructured, with 600 experts replaced and new experts inducted.

A four-stage question paper verification system will be introduced shortly to strengthen the examination process. The NTA is also taking steps to recruit 20–25 officers within the next two to three weeks.

The NTA offices will be shifted to new premises, while security will be strengthened with CISF personnel. Private-sector specialists in cybersecurity, psychometrics and question paper design will also be brought in.

The Education Ministry said the NTA is undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of its confidential operations and examination systems to address systemic shortcomings and prevent irregularities in competitive examinations.