Education Ministry reviews NTA systems after exam controversy

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi has reviewed the functioning of the National Testing Agency with senior ministry officials, placing examination integrity and student communication at the centre of the discussion.

The meeting in New Delhi included the education secretary and focused on institutional mechanisms within the NTA. Officials discussed how examination procedures could be streamlined and how the agency could respond more effectively when candidates raise concerns.

In a statement posted on X, Joshi said the ministry had considered key issues requiring attention and the next steps for strengthening the system. He said the objective was to build an examination framework that is robust, transparent and credible for students across India.

The review comes at a sensitive time for the country’s entrance-test system. Joshi became education minister on July 26 after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid nationwide student protests linked to the controversy over the NEET question-paper leak. The change in leadership put the NTA’s processes and public accountability under renewed scrutiny.

The NTA conducts several of India’s major competitive examinations, including NEET, UGC-NET and CUET. Its own published testing framework says the agency is intended to expand access, improve fairness and use technology to reduce malpractice, while also providing arrangements for candidates with special needs.

Joshi’s latest review did not announce a new examination schedule or a specific policy change. It instead set out the ministry’s immediate priorities: stronger internal safeguards, simpler processes and greater responsiveness to students as officials work to restore confidence in national entrance examinations.