The National Testing Agency (NTA) has removed the services of 47 officials as part of a major internal action after the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. The move comes as the government begins a wider reform process to strengthen the country's entrance examination system. Sources told The Indian Express that the agency will also take legal and criminal action against some of these officials to ensure accountability.

According to the sources, these actions mark only the beginning of the reform process. They said the agency would also initiate “legal and criminal action” against the officials to send a “strong message”. The sources further added that these are “only the initial steps” in reforming the agency’s operations, and “several more stringent and reform-oriented measures” are likely to follow.

The Education Ministry has also announced a fresh recruitment drive to improve the agency's overall functioning. It has invited applications for senior-level General Manager positions to supervise important areas such as test centre operations, information security, vigilance, and assessment research. These appointments form part of the government's plan to rebuild the NTA following the recommendations made by the high-level committee headed by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan.

The Ministry said these appointments will mark “the first concrete step in the institutional rebuild of NTA” being implemented in line with the recommendations of the expert committee. The government had earlier indicated its intention to overhaul the agency. The Indian Express had first reported on July 7 that the Centre was preparing large-scale reforms covering the NTA's organisation, infrastructure, technology, and operational processes.

Along with the senior appointments, the Ministry has decided to recruit 16 young professionals through the Union Public Service Commission's (UPSC) Pratibha Setu portal. This government platform allows “verified employers — including ministries, PSUs, autonomous bodies, and private organisations — to access details of non-recommended willing candidates who cleared all stages of UPSC exams but didn’t make it to the final merit list”.

The Ministry said the young professionals will work in different sections of the NTA. Twelve positions will focus on academic research. Two positions will handle legal research, while the remaining two will work in finance and accounts. These professionals will receive a consolidated monthly salary. Their appointment will initially last for two years and may continue for one more year based on performance.

The Ministry has created four contractual General Manager positions for an initial period of three years. These include General Manager for Test Centre Network and Operations, General Manager for Information Security, General Manager for Vigilance, Investigation and Forensics, and General Manager for Assessment Research and Development and Psychometrics.

The General Manager for Test Centre Network and Operations will supervise the NTA's examination centres across more than 500 cities in India along with selected international locations. The official will monitor centre empanelment, capacity planning, quality standards, accessibility for candidates with disabilities, hygiene, basic facilities, examination-day arrangements, and coordination with state authorities. The Ministry said applicants should have senior operational leadership experience in managing a network of at least 200 locations.

The General Manager for Information Security will serve as the NTA's Chief Information Security Officer. The official will oversee cybersecurity across all systems, applications, networks, and data managed by the agency. The role also includes ensuring compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, the Information Technology Act, 2000, and guidelines issued by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In). The officer will also manage a 24-hour Security Operations Centre.

Candidates applying for this post must have at least 12 years of experience in information security, including five years in a senior leadership role. They should also hold recognised professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, or an equivalent qualification.

The General Manager for Vigilance, Investigation and Forensics will lead the agency's internal investigations and digital forensics division. The official will examine suspected cases of malpractice, build an in-house digital forensics system, and coordinate with central and state investigation agencies whenever required. The Ministry has specified that applicants must have 15 years of experience, including at least five years in senior-level positions related to investigation, vigilance, or law enforcement.

The General Manager for Assessment Research and Development and Psychometrics will head the NTA's academic and assessment science division. The official will oversee digital question banks, normalisation methods, calibration processes, and research on computer-adaptive testing and AI-assisted assessment systems. Applicants must hold a doctorate in psychometrics, educational measurement, statistics, or a related subject. They should also have at least 12 years of postdoctoral experience, including five years in senior leadership positions at a national or international testing organisation.

The Education Ministry said these appointments are only the beginning of the restructuring exercise. “Further recruitment and empanelment actions across the ten functional verticals recommended by the high-level committee of experts will follow in the coming weeks,” the Ministry said.

The government's latest actions reflect its effort to restore trust in the country's examination system after the NEET-UG paper leak. By removing officials, strengthening leadership positions, recruiting experienced professionals, and implementing expert recommendations, the Centre aims to improve transparency, security, and efficiency in the functioning of the National Testing Agency.