India's NTA exam agency faces trust crisis after NEET-UG leak

September 7, 2026 at 04:02 AM2 min

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India's National Testing Agency (NTA) faces a crisis of confidence eight years after its creation, following a June paper leak that forced over two million students to retake the NEET-UG medical entrance exam. The fallout triggered weeks of youth-led protests and the resignation of the federal education minister. The government has appointed a task force led by tech tycoon Nandan Nilekani to recommend reforms, even as experts question the agency's accountability and capacity.

Key Facts

In June, more than two million students had to retake the NEET-UG medical entrance exam after the paper was leaked.
The federal education minister resigned following weeks of youth-led protests over the leak.
The government appointed a high-level task force led by tech tycoon Nandan Nilekani to recommend reforms.
A similar panel established in 2024 proposed more than 100 reforms, a little over half of which have reportedly been fully implemented.
Only 24 of NTA's 221 employees are permanent, with many from bureaucratic backgrounds, according to the government.

The NEET-UG Leak

In June, more than two million students had to retake the NEET-UG medical entrance exam after the paper was leaked. The fallout triggered weeks of youth-led protests which eventually led to the resignation of the federal education minister. In response, the government appointed a high-level task force led by tech tycoon Nandan Nilekani to recommend reforms and restore confidence in the examination system.

Reform Efforts and Challenges

A similar panel was established in 2024 after irregularities in another medical entrance examination sparked widespread unrest. That committee proposed more than 100 reforms, a little over half of which have reportedly been fully implemented. BJ Rao, who was part of the 2024 panel and is now head of SGT University near Delhi, says India should move more decisively towards computer-based examinations to minimise the chances of paper leaks, increase efficiency and reduce human involvement wherever possible. Rao points to the NTA's reliance on contract staff: just 24 of its 221 employees are permanent, with many from bureaucratic backgrounds, according to the government.