Centre sacks 47 NTA officials, tightens law to tackle paper leaks
The Indian Centre has sacked 47 National Testing Agency (NTA) officials and approved amendments to the anti-paper leak law, introducing tougher penalties and fast-track courts. These measures aim to combat exam malpractices, with increased jail sentences and higher fines for organized fraud.
Why it matters
This signifies a serious government effort to address widespread exam malpractices in India, aiming to restore integrity to the examination system and ensure fairness for students, with potential implications for education and public trust.
In a move to crack down on exam malpractices, the Centre has taken a slew of actions, including strengthening the anti-paper leak law and terminating services of up to 47 officials in the National Testing Agency (NTA).
The Union Cabinet on Friday (July 24, 2026) cleared a proposal to introduce amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, endowing the anti-paper leak law with tougher penalties and time-bound trial mechanisms.
Sources in the Ministry of Education said that in a bid to bring about exam reforms, the NTA had terminated 47 officials from their services. “Legal and criminal actions will also be taken against some of these officials. More reformative actions will follow. This is part of a complete overhaul of the NTA that has been in controversy over paper leaks,” the sources said.
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