NTA empanels over 5,000 experts to strengthen exam security

In a major step towards strengthening the security of national-level entrance examinations, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has empanelled more than 5,000 subject matter experts, translators, moderators, academicians, scientists and other professionals as part of its ongoing overhaul. The agency is also building a large question bank aimed at reducing the possibility of examination paper leaks.

The experts have been brought onto the agency’s panel for a range of confidential assignments, including question paper setting, translation, vetting, moderation, answer-key verification, curriculum mapping and psychometric validation.

The changes follow the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy in May, which triggered widespread protests and led to the cancellation of the examination. In the aftermath, the NTA reportedly removed around 600 subject matter experts and shifted its headquarters from Okhla in southeast Delhi to the Government of India Press building on Minto Road.

Question bank to limit access to final papers

A key part of the NTA’s revised strategy is the creation of a common pool of questions from which examination papers can be prepared. The objective is to ensure that experts involved in setting, translating or reviewing questions do not know which questions will eventually appear in a particular examination.

The NTA has already begun implementing elements of this approach in some of the entrance examinations it conducts.

Four-layer verification for experts

The empanelment process involves multiple levels of scrutiny. Applicants first undergo verification of their personal details, qualifications, eligibility and professional experience. A subject matter committee then evaluates their academic credentials, research record and experience in setting question papers.

Shortlisted applicants are also subjected to background checks. The agency seeks to ensure that experts are not associated with coaching institutes or involved in preparing question-bank material for students.

Further, empanelled experts must sign a comprehensive non-disclosure agreement at the time of empanelment and reaffirm their confidentiality obligations before every assignment.

The NTA has invited Expressions of Interest from eligible professionals for its three-year panel, with the process remaining open throughout the year.

The agency is also working towards an ‘exam-agnostic’ approach, aimed at ensuring that the examination process does not depend entirely on any single vendor, technology or platform. The NTA conducts major examinations, including JEE Main, NEET, CUET and UGC-NET.