Parliamentary Panel Calls for sweeping reforms of India’s National Testing Agency after NEET-UG 2026 leak

On May 12 2026 the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 exam held on May 3, citing a paper leak. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports submitted a 44-page report on October 9 2026 recommending extensive reforms, including a shift to computer-based testing (CBT), secure question banks and a parliamentary accountability framework.

The HinduThe Indian ExpressNew Indian ExpressTwo-stage NEET UG, age limit, fewer attempts: What parl panel wants NTA to change

The NTA, created in 2017, conducts major entrance exams such as JEE-Mains, NEET-UG, UGC-NET and CUET for roughly 1.2 crore candidates annually. Prior leak incidents occurred in 2024 and 2026 despite biometric authentication, mobile jammers and AI-monitored CCTV. The agency operates as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, not as a statutory body.

NEET cancellation despite security overhaul exposes gaps in NTA reforms: House panel

• Staffing shortfall: 39 sanctioned permanent posts; only 23 filled (41 % vacancy).

Two-stage NEET UG, age limit, fewer attempts: What parl panel wants NTA to change

• Legal exposure: 474 court cases listed in the 2024-25 annual report, 356 relating to NEET-UG 2024.

NEET cancellation despite security overhaul exposes gaps in NTA reforms: House panel

• Financial surplus: INR590 crore placed in fixed deposits rather than student assistance or infrastructure.

The Hindu

The committee recommends that the Education Ministry introduce a parliamentary framework to ensure NTA accountability to both Houses. It urges fast-track recruitment for vacant posts, isolation of question-setters until exams conclude, creation of a continuously updated question bank and transition of flagship exams like NEET-UG to CBT to eliminate printed papers. A national registry of blacklisted vendors is also proposed.

Two-stage NEET UG, age limit, fewer attempts: What parl panel wants NTA to change

Congress leader Mr Ramesh, on October 11 2026, called the findings evidence of “grave incompetence and malpractice” within the NTA and the Ministry of Education, and challenged the Ministry’s claim that no leak had occurred since the agency’s inception.

The Hindu

• “The NTA is registered as a Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It is not a statutory body that has been created by an Act of Parliament. It therefore functions with limited accountability and parliamentary oversight,” — Mr Ramesh

The Hindu

• “The education department may introduce appropriate Parliamentary framework that ensures NTA’s accountability to Parliament.” — The Committee

The Hindu

• Sept 26 2025: Panel constituted under MP Mukul Wasnik.

New Indian Express

• May 3 2026: NEET-UG 2026 conducted.

The Indian Express

• May 12 2026: NTA cancels exam amid leak allegations.

The Hindu

• Oct 9 2026: Committee submits reform report.

New Indian Express

• Oct 11 2026: Congress comments on findings.

NEET cancellation exposed NTA gaps: Parliamentary panel

The committee’s recommendations call for legislation establishing parliamentary oversight, funding for government-run CBT centres and rapid permanent recruitment for vacant posts. Implementation timelines were not specified.

The Hindu