Last Updated:
UGC-NET 2026: Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi held a meeting with senior officials, including the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education and NTA Director General.
Education Minister Pralhad Joshi held a meeting today
UGC-NET 2026: The Union Education Ministry has asked the National Testing Agency (NTA) to carry out a detailed audit of its examination system and submit a report on the corrective steps taken to address recent problems.
The directive came a day after the NTA cancelled the UGC-NET examinations for English, Commerce and Sociology following multiple errors in the question papers. The papers were found to have factual, typographical and translation-related issues.
The latest move also comes after the NTA scrapped the NEET-UG examination held on May 3 following a paper leak, putting the agency’s examination processes under renewed scrutiny.
Education Minister Reviews NTA Reforms
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi held a meeting with senior officials, including the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education and NTA Director General, to review the agency’s response to the recent issues.
The ministry said the meeting focused on reforms being introduced across the examination system.
“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.
Over 50 NTA Staff Removed
The ministry said more than 50 NTA employees have been removed as part of the measures being taken to strengthen the agency.
It also said specialists from the private sector are being brought in for areas such as cyber security, psychometrics and question-paper design, among other specialised functions.
The agency has advertised 10 new professional leadership positions, including Chief Technology Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, General Manager for Test Security, and General Manager for Research and Development and Psychometrics. The ministry said the recruitment and onboarding process is underway.
Exam Security To Be Overhauled
Joshi has also instructed officials to ensure strict adherence to existing examination protocols.
The minister called for a complete overhaul of the Confidential Operations (CONOPS) architecture, along with measures involving secluded rooms, air-gapped systems and protocols for depositing electronic devices.
The ministry said these measures are to be implemented on a “war footing” to strengthen security and prevent further lapses in the conduct of examinations.
Key Questions Answered
Ask News18The NTA will implement new security measures including removing over 50 staff members and onboarding new professionals for key leadership positions such as Chief Technology Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, General Manager (test security), and General Manager (R&D and psychometrics).
Ask News18About the Author
Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can …Read More
August 17, 2026, 16:18 IST
Read More
