NTA Removes 47 Officials After Alleged NEET 2026 Paper Leak, Begins Major Reforms

The NTA has reportedly dismissed 47 officials following an internal investigation into the alleged NEET 2026 paper leak, according to sources. The agency is also expected to initiate legal action against some of the dismissed officials. The development comes amid widespread protests over the alleged paper leak, which resulted in the cancellation of the May 3, 2026 NEET exam and the conduct of the re-NEET 2026 examination on June 21, 2026.

In a parallel move, the NTA has begun recruiting four General Managers and 16 Young Professionals through the UPSC's PRATIBHA Setu portal. These appointments are being made in line with the recommendations of the K. Radhakrishnan Committee and are part of a broader organisational restructuring aimed at strengthening the agency's functioning and restoring students' confidence in the examination system.

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NEET 2027 Exam to Shift to Computer-Based Format

According to an announcement by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the NTA will conduct the NEET 2027 examination in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The transition from the traditional OMR-based format to an online examination is intended to strengthen the examination process, improve transparency, and minimise the chances of errors or paper leaks.

NEET 2026 Counselling Schedule Awaited

The MCC is expected to commence NEET UG 2026 counselling for 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats soon, while counselling for 85% state quota seats will be conducted by the respective state authorities. According to reports, the state counselling bodies are yet to receive the NEET UG 2026 result data, following which the counselling schedule is expected to be announced.

Read: MCC Counselling 2026

NTA Begins Structural Reforms After NEET 2026 Controversy

In response to the controversy surrounding the alleged NEET 2026 paper leak, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has initiated a series of structural reforms to strengthen the examination system. The agency has reportedly removed 47 officials following an internal investigation and is considering legal action against those found responsible.

As part of the reforms, NTA has launched the recruitment of four General Managers and 16 Young Professionals through the UPSC PRATIBHA Setu portal, following the recommendations of the K. Radhakrishnan Committee. The measures are aimed at improving transparency, enhancing accountability, and rebuilding public trust in national entrance examinations.

NTA Recruitment Drive Underway to Strengthen Examination System

The NTA has launched a recruitment drive to reinforce its examination framework and improve the administration of national entrance tests. As part of the initiative, the agency is recruiting four General Managers and 16 Young Professionals through the UPSC PRATIBHA Setu portal.

The recruitment follows the recommendations of the K. Radhakrishnan Committee and forms part of the NTA's broader organisational reforms after the NEET 2026 controversy. The move is aimed at enhancing transparency, strengthening operational efficiency, and restoring students' trust in the country's examination system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques: Why did the NTA remove 47 officials?

Ans: According to sources, the NTA dismissed 47 officials following an internal investigation into the alleged NEET 2026 paper leak. Legal action may also be initiated against some individuals.

Ques: What reforms has the NTA announced after the NEET 2026 controversy?

Ans: The NTA has initiated organisational reforms, including restructuring administrative processes and recruiting new personnel, based on the recommendations of the K. Radhakrishnan Committee.

Ques: How many new positions is the NTA recruiting for?

Ans: The agency has started recruiting four General Managers and 16 Young Professionals through the UPSC PRATIBHA Setu portal to strengthen its examination system.

Ques: Will NEET 2027 be conducted in CBT mode?

Ans: Yes. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has announced that NEET 2027 will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode instead of the traditional OMR-based format.

Ques: When will NEET UG 2026 counselling begin?

Ans: The MCC counselling for 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats and the state counselling for 85% state quota seats are expected to begin soon. The detailed schedule will be announced by the respective counselling authorities after the required result data is shared.