New Delhi: In a significant administrative overhaul aimed at restoring public confidence in the National Testing Agency (NTA), the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of two senior civil servants as Joint Secretaries and two officers as Directors in the agency.
The restructuring comes amid heightened scrutiny over repeated allegations of paper leaks and procedural lapses in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), one of India’s most competitive examinations for admission to undergraduate medical courses.
At the centre of this reform drive is Abhishek Singh, the newly appointed Director General of NTA, who has laid out a strict “zero-error, zero-tolerance” framework for the 2026 examination cycle.
ACC-Approved Appointments in NTA
The ACC has approved the following appointments in the NTA under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education:
Joint Secretaries
- Anuja Bapat, Indian Statistical Service (ISS), 1998 batch
- Ruchita Vij, Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes), 2004 batch
Directors
- Akash Jain, Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), 2013 batch
- Aditya Rajendra Bhojadhiya, Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS), 2013 batch
These appointments are expected to strengthen the NTA’s administrative and operational capabilities as it undertakes a comprehensive transformation of the examination ecosystem.
NEET to Shift Completely to Computer-Based Testing from 2027
In a landmark move, the Ministry of Education has announced that NEET will be conducted entirely as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) beginning with the 2027 academic cycle.
The shift is intended to eliminate vulnerabilities associated with printed question papers, transportation logistics, and physical storage—areas that have often been identified as weak points in exam security.
The transition is expected to significantly enhance confidentiality, reduce the risk of paper leaks, and improve the overall efficiency of the examination process.
Objective: Rebuild Confidence in National Examinations
The reforms form part of a broader government initiative to rebuild trust in national entrance examinations after controversies involving leaks and irregularities.
By combining administrative restructuring with technological modernization, the Centre aims to create a testing system that is more secure, transparent, accountable, and resilient.
Abhishek Singh’s “Zero-Error, Zero-Tolerance” Vision
Director General Abhishek Singh has emphasized that the NTA will adopt rigorous protocols and enhanced monitoring mechanisms to ensure flawless conduct of examinations in 2026 and beyond.
His “zero-error, zero-tolerance” approach reflects the government’s commitment to restoring the credibility of national assessments that affect millions of students every year.
About the National Testing Agency (NTA)
Established in 2017 by the Government of India, the National Testing Agency is an autonomous and self-sustaining testing organization under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education.
Key Facts About NTA
- Established: 2017
- Parent Department: Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education
- Legal Status: Registered as a society under the Indian Societies Registration Act, 1860
- Core Objective: Conduct transparent, efficient, and standardized entrance examinations for dmissions and fellowships in higher educational institutions
- Purpose: To relieve agencies such as Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) of testing responsibilities
The NTA currently conducts major national examinations including NEET, Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main), Common University Entrance Test (CUET), and UGC-NET.
