New Delhi, July 24: India’s National Testing Agency (NTA) is set for a major overhaul as the Centre has removed 47 officials over suspected examination fraud.
The decision, taken on July 20, is part of a nationwide effort to restore trust in the country’s entrance examination system following the controversy over the alleged leak of the NEET-UG question paper earlier this month, which triggered widespread student protests. The developments are being closely watched in the Northeast as well, where millions of aspirants rely on national entrance examinations for admission to professional colleges.
Students across the country have been demanding strict action against those involved in examination fraud and reforms to ensure a more transparent and credible testing system.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured students that those involved in examination malpractices will not be spared, reiterating his government’s commitment to an “uncompromised, fair and transparent examination system.”
Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet has cleared proposals to strengthen India’s anti-paper leak law, providing for up to 10 years’ imprisonment for those involved in organised examination fraud. If enacted, offenders could face prosecution under organised crime provisions. Under the proposed amendments, any individual or organisation involved in paper leaks, cheating, impersonation or digital tampering could face penalties of up to ₹10 crore.
The sweeping reforms mark one of the Centre’s most significant steps yet to address growing public outrage over examination fraud and restore faith among the millions of students whose futures depend on the integrity of India’s public examination system.
