Centre Dismisses NTA Head; Launches CBI Investigation Into NEET-UG Paper Leaks

The Centre has removed the National Testing Agency (NTA) chief from his post due to protests across the country and criticism from the opposition over alleged irregularities in NEET-UG and the cancellation of the UGC-NET Exam.

On Saturday, the Ministry of Personnel announced that Subodh Kumar Singh has been replaced as the NTA director general by retired IAS officer Pradeep Singh Kharola. Kharola, who is also the Chairman and Managing Editor of the India Trade Promotion Organisation, will serve as the NTA director general until a permanent replacement is appointed or until further notice.

Repeated exam leaks and the inconvenience to students made Mr. Singh's position as NTA chief unstable. Additionally, pressure from a strong opposition and negative comments from the Supreme Court about the NTA contributed to the decision to remove him.

The decision is part of a promised overhaul of the National Testing Agency, which Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has mentioned. Sources say Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently instructed Mr. Pradhan at a Cabinet meeting to take action, and the changes have now started.

The government's top priority is to investigate the alleged paper leaks and hold those responsible accountable. This is crucial because the NTA conducts major exams like NEET and JEE, taken by millions of students. Additionally, the Supreme Court will hear petitions on this issue on July 8.

Earlier on Saturday, the government formed a seven-member committee to improve the NTA's functioning. The panel, led by former ISRO chief Dr. K Radhakrishnan and including former AIIMS director Dr. Randeep Guleria, will explore ways to enhance the agency's operations.

After forming the committee, Mr. Pradhan stated that this is the first step in a series of measures to improve the efficiency of the examination process.

"Transparent, tamper-free, and error-free exams are our commitment. Setting up a high-level expert committee is the first step to improve exam efficiency, eliminate malpractices, strengthen data security, and reform the NTA. The interests and bright futures of students will always be our government's top priority," Mr. Pradhan posted on X.

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