Former National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General (DG) IAS Subodh Kumar Singh has once again come under the spotlight as the NEET paper leak controversy resurfaces in national political discourse. The Congress party and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi have cited his name while criticizing the Union government over the handling of the 2024 NEET examination leak.
Mr Singh, a 1997-batch IAS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre, was serving as Director General of the National Testing Agency when allegations of irregularities and paper leaks in NEET-UG 2024 triggered nationwide protests by students and parents. In June 2024, he was removed from the post amid mounting public pressure and growing scrutiny of the examination system.
After a brief posting in the Union Ministry of Steel, he was repatriated to his parent cadre in Chhattisgarh in December 2024 and was subsequently appointed Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. As of May 2026, he also holds charge as Principal Secretary, Energy Department.
Why Is IAS Singh in the News Again?
The Congress party recently highlighted Singh’s trajectory after the NEET controversy, alleging that although he was removed as NTA chief following the exam leak, he was later given important assignments both at the Centre and in Chhattisgarh.
In a post on X, the Congress stated that when the NEET paper leak affected millions of aspirants in 2024, Mr Singh was the Director General of NTA. According to the party, he was removed to contain public anger, but later served in the Ministry of Steel before being appointed Principal Secretary to the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister.
The renewed political attention has brought Singh’s administrative career and current posting back into focus.
Who Is IAS Subodh Kumar Singh?
Mr Singh is a senior Indian Administrative Service officer of the 1997 batch from the Chhattisgarh cadre. Born on August 15, 1973, he hails from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and comes from a modest family background. His father was a primary school teacher.
Known for his strong academic credentials and administrative efficiency, Mr Singh has held several high-profile positions in both the Chhattisgarh government and the Government of India.
Education: IIT Roorkee Engineer with MBA
Mr Singh has an impressive educational background:
- B.E. in Electrical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
- M.E. in Electrical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
- MBA from Indira Gandhi National Open University
His technical and management qualifications have contributed significantly to his reputation as a capable administrator.
Role as NTA Director General
As Director General of the National Testing Agency, IAS Singh oversaw major national examinations including NEET, JEE, and CUET.
However, during NEET-UG 2024, allegations of paper leaks and irregularities led to widespread protests and legal challenges. The controversy became one of the most significant examination crises in recent years, eventually leading to his removal from the NTA in June 2024.
Repatriation to Chhattisgarh
On December 17, 2024, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved IAS Singh’s premature repatriation from central deputation to Chhattisgarh following a request from the state government.
Shortly after his return, the Chhattisgarh government appointed him as Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
Current Posting in Chhattisgarh
As of May 2026, IAS Singh holds multiple important positions:
- Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh
- Principal Secretary, Energy Department
- Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Power Transmission Company Limited (CSPTCL)
- Chairman of other key state power utilities
He is considered one of the most influential bureaucrats in the Chhattisgarh administration.
Key Career Highlights
Over nearly three decades of service, IAS Singh has handled several crucial assignments:
- Director General, National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Ministry of Steel
- Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh
- Senior roles in the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister’s Office during previous administrations
Why His Return Matters
The return of Mr Singh to Chhattisgarh was seen as a strategic move by the state government to strengthen the Chief Minister’s Office with an experienced and technically proficient officer.
Despite the controversy surrounding NEET-UG 2024, he continues to hold key positions and remains one of the most senior and trusted officers in the Chhattisgarh bureaucracy.
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