NTA Sacks 47 Officials Amid Exam Reform Drive; Centre Plans Tougher Anti-Paper Leak Law

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has dismissed 47 officials in what is being described as one of the biggest internal restructuring exercises since the agency was established. The action comes amid mounting criticism over repeated examination controversies, including allegations of paper leaks, and signals the government’s intent to overhaul the country’s premier examination body.

According to officials, the termination of 47 personnel is only the beginning of a wider reform process aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and efficiency within the NTA. Sources indicated that additional corrective measures are expected in the coming days as part of a comprehensive clean-up of the organisation.

Authorities have also initiated steps to begin legal and criminal proceedings against some of the dismissed officials wherever necessary. The move is being viewed as part of the Centre’s broader effort to restore public confidence in the examination system after several high-profile controversies involving competitive examinations.

The latest development comes at a time when protests against the NTA continue across the country. Student groups, activists and several civil society organisations have intensified demonstrations, demanding greater transparency in examination processes and accountability from those responsible for alleged irregularities. At Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, protesters have also sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy.

The NTA has remained under intense scrutiny over the past several months following allegations related to examination management, data handling and paper leak incidents. Concerns over the integrity of major entrance examinations have prompted the government to initiate a series of reforms aimed at strengthening institutional safeguards.

Earlier this week, the Ministry of Education informed the Rajya Sabha that the NTA is operating with only 24 permanent employees despite having a sanctioned strength of 39 posts. To manage its growing responsibilities, the agency currently depends on 73 contractual employees and 124 outsourced staff members, highlighting the operational challenges it faces while conducting large-scale national examinations.

Despite staffing constraints, the agency has witnessed significant financial growth over recent years. Official figures show that the NTA’s income increased from ₹504.16 crore during the 2019-20 financial year to ₹1,116.84 crore in 2023-24, reflecting a growth of over 121 percent. During the same period, expenditure also rose substantially from ₹440.20 crore to ₹1,040.96 crore, an increase of more than 136 percent.

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In another major development, the Union Cabinet has approved a draft bill proposing tougher punishments for those involved in paper leak cases. The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 by significantly strengthening existing penalties.

Under the proposed amendments, individuals found guilty of leaking examination papers could face a minimum prison sentence of five years along with monetary penalties. In cases involving organised paper leak syndicates or cheating networks, punishment could extend to 10 years of imprisonment and fines of up to ₹10 crore.

Currently, the existing law provides for imprisonment ranging from three to five years for individuals involved in paper leak offences. Organised criminal networks can presently face imprisonment between five and ten years along with a minimum fine of ₹1 crore.

Government sources said the revised provisions are intended to dismantle organised cheating rackets and ensure stricter action against institutions or individuals attempting to manipulate public examinations for financial gain. At the same time, officials have clarified that candidates appearing for examinations will not be penalised under the proposed law.

The anti-paper leak legislation covers recruitment examinations such as UPSC and SSC as well as major entrance examinations including NEET, JEE and CUET. With the dismissal of dozens of NTA officials and the proposed legal reforms, the Centre has signalled a more aggressive approach to restoring credibility and integrity in India’s examination system.