NEET paper leak row: NTA terminates 47 officials, legal action planned against some

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has terminated 47 officials following the controversy over the NEET-UG examination and will initiate legal and criminal action against some of them, officials said on Friday.

The move comes amid growing scrutiny over the agency’s handling of major competitive examinations after allegations of irregularities triggered nationwide protests and demands for accountability from students.

A senior NTA official said the examination body is set to undergo an overhaul, with more reform measures expected to improve the functioning of the agency.

The action follows a period of intense criticism over the NEET-UG controversy, with students raising concerns over the fairness and transparency of the medical entrance examination process. Protests were held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi as aspirants demanded strict action and answers from authorities.

The government has also initiated administrative changes amid concerns surrounding examination management. Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi was transferred to the Panchayati Raj Ministry, adding to a series of official-level changes linked to exam-related issues.

Apart from the NEET controversy, concerns over examination systems were also highlighted following issues such as digital evaluation glitches in other major exams, increasing pressure on authorities to strengthen safeguards.

The NTA conducts several national-level entrance examinations, including NEET-UG and JEE, making examination security and transparency a key concern for millions of students across the country.

With PTI inputs