Fifteen of 39 positions at the Testing Agency remain unfilled, prompting criticism as students protest over exam management issues.
New Delhi, India Jul 24, 2026 ALN: The recent revelations regarding the Testing Agency (NTA) have sparked significant concern among students and educational stakeholders alike, particularly in light of ongoing protests demanding accountability and transparency in the examination system. The NTA, which was established in 2018 as an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education, is tasked with conducting various high-stakes examinations, including the Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the University Grants Commission Eligibility Test (UGC-NET). However, reports indicate that 15 out of the 39 positions created within the agency remain unfilled, raising questions about its operational capacity and effectiveness.
Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar disclosed in a written response to the Rajya Sabha that the NTA currently operates with only 24 employees, all of whom are on deputation from other institutions. This reliance on temporary appointments has drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly as the agency has engaged a significant number of contract officials—73 in total—alongside 124 outsourced personnel. These outsourced roles encompass vital functions such as data analysis, legal support, and even housekeeping, which are essential for the smooth execution of examinations.
The NTA's operational challenges are compounded by the fact that, despite the creation of 16 new posts at the director and joint director levels under the Central Staffing Scheme, appointments continue to be made through deputation rather than through a permanent recruitment process. This situation has led to concerns about the agency's ability to maintain a stable and effective workforce, particularly given its critical role in managing examinations that affect millions of students across the country.
These operational deficiencies have manifested in public protests, particularly at Jantar Mantar, where students have gathered to voice their frustrations regarding the NTA's management of competitive examinations. The protests reflect a growing sentiment among students that the agency's current structure and staffing levels are inadequate for ensuring the integrity and reliability of the examination process. Mr. Sivadasan, a CPI(M) MP, has been vocal in his criticism, highlighting the administrative failures that arise from running a centralized examination body without a dedicated, permanent staff.
“The NTA is responsible for conducting high-stakes university entrance, medical, engineering, and fellowship examinations. Running such a critical centralized body without a single dedicated, permanent cadre is a massive administrative failure that directly impacts students,” Mr. Sivadasan stated, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these issues.
Since its establishment, the NTA has conducted an impressive 270 examinations, catering to over 6.6 crore students, which illustrates the scale of its operations. In the current year alone, approximately 65 lakh students have registered for various examinations under its purview. Despite this extensive reach, the agency has faced serious allegations of mismanagement, including incidents of paper leaks and examination cancellations. High-profile cases involving the NEET and UGC-NET examinations have only intensified scrutiny of the NTA's operational integrity.
Mr. Sivadasan's remarks highlight a troubling pattern: reports of question paper leaks in nearly 100 examinations and around 50 re-examinations since the NTA's inception. These figures raise significant concerns about the robustness of the agency's examination protocols and its ability to safeguard the integrity of the testing process. Furthermore, the Ministry of Education has not provided clarity on the exact number of re-examinations conducted, leaving students and stakeholders in the dark about the extent of the issues facing the NTA.
In addition to operational challenges, questions surrounding the NTA's financial performance and accountability have also emerged. The agency's revenue has seen a remarkable increase, soaring from ₹504.16 crore in the 2018-19 fiscal year to ₹1,116.84 crore in 2023-24. This growth, fueled by examination fee collections, suggests a significant demand for the services provided by the NTA. However, the response from the Ministry of Education did not include revenue projections for the subsequent fiscal years (2024-25 and 2025-26), leaving stakeholders uncertain about the agency's future financial trajectory.
Moreover, the lack of clarity regarding the agency's structural autonomy raises concerns about accountability when errors or mismanagement occur. The relationship between the NTA and the Ministry of Education remains ambiguous, particularly in terms of who bears final responsibility for the agency's operational failures. This lack of accountability is particularly troubling given the high stakes associated with the examinations conducted by the NTA, which can significantly impact students' futures.
Another layer of complexity in the ongoing debate surrounding the NTA is the issue of centralization in the examination system. Critics argue that the centralization of authority over examinations has detrimental effects on the fairness and reliability of the educational system. Mr. Sivadasan has alleged that this shift aligns with a broader political agenda to centralize education policy at the expense of state governments and universities, undermining local governance and responsiveness to regional educational needs.
The protests by students, many of whom are affiliated with left-wing organizations, underscore a growing discontent with what they perceive as an unscientific and commercially driven model of education. These student organizations have long warned against the implications of centralizing examination authority, arguing that it can lead to inequities and a lack of responsiveness to the diverse needs of students across different regions.
As the debate continues, the implications of the NTA's operational structure, financial performance, and the centralization of examination authority will likely remain at the forefront of discussions about educational governance in India. The ongoing protests serve as a reminder of the urgent need for reform and accountability within the examination system, as students and stakeholders alike seek assurances that their interests are being prioritized in the management of high-stakes assessments.
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