Students to focus on abolition of NTA
Introductory note
The Gen G (Born between 1997 and 2012) made a point or two by participating in the agitation held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi against the NEET examinations. First they proved that they are not only more tech savvy but also connect with the people they never came across before and build solid force. They also made a pint loud and clear – ‘Do not ignore any more.’ Now the Gen Z is focusing on the abolition of National Testing Agency (NTA)- the responsible agency for conducting national level entrance examinations smoothly without any hiccups but also responsible for leak of NEET question papers.
Analytical view/ Analysis
Ministry of Education, Government of India, has established the NTA in November 2017, as a society under Societies Registration Act – 1860, to conduct all national level examinations like JEE Main, NEET- UG and UGC NET. It was responsible for the conduct of recently held NEET examinations, which was leaked leading to national level protests by students forcing resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Conducting national level examinations was not new in India and according to a report published in The Tribune; more than 90 major question paper leaks took place in the country in the last two decades at both State level and Centre level. During the agitations across the nation against NEET examinations, the students also demanded the dissolution of NTA.
However, the Government is not directly responsible for the paper leaks as it was the handiwork of some officials in the NTA and private individuals, it could not escape from the responsibility of fixing the things in right manner. As part of taking corrective action, the Government has terminated the services of as many as 47 officials working in the NTA.
For the first time, India has enacted The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act in 2024, to criminialize paper leaks, cheating mafias and exam fraud. After the protests at Jantar Mantar by students, the Union Cabinet on July 24,2026, cleared a proposal to introduce amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act 2024. According to that, the jail term to those who leaked papers will be between 5 to 10 years instead of 3 to five years in the past and maximum fines will be up to Rs. 10 crore. The proposal increased fine from Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 5 crore and debarment from conducting examinations from four years to eight years for the service providers (conducting examinations) found involved in the crime.
Odisha was the one of the first states to enact anti cheating law as early as 1988 – The Orissa Conduct of Examinations Act – 1998.
Abolition of NTA is a not a right choice although the students are demanding cancellation of agency, emotionally charged with the success of agitation at New Delhi. Rather, strict implementation of norms as per law and ensuring right punishment in a stipulated period restore the trust of youth in the system.
News at a Glance:
The Tribune. (2024, August 10). Students demand dissolution of NTA. The Tribune.
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/delhi/students-demand-dissolution-of-nta/
Now, student groups across Hyderabad want National Testing Agency abolished: 26 Jul 2026 https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2026/Jul/26/now-student-groups-across-hyderabad-want-national-testing-agency-abolished
Centre sacks 47 NTA officials, tightens law to tackle paper leaks
Students in Mysuru protest against Centre, seek NTA abolition
AIDSO protests NEET-UG paper leak, seeks abolition of NTA Published – May 13, 2026
NEET UG paper leak: Student protests disrupt Hyderabad, demand Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation Date:24 July 2026
Academic Insight :
Ministry of Education, Government of India. (2024, June 22). Ministry of Education constitutes a high-level committee of experts to ensure transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations. Press Information Bureau https://www.pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=2027892&lang=2®=48&utm_sourcce
Students in Mysuru protest against Centre, seek NTA abolition
Memorising Questions, Using Chits: How Testing Agency Experts Leaked NEET Paper
Social Media Pulse :
(@nationalherald_nh)
https://www.instagram.com/p/DYtW9FRjuMi/?igsh=cjA4MHlyZjB3ZDR2
Nearly 50 NTA Officials Removed as Centre steps up overhaul amid paper leak row: Report: Mint (YouTube)
https://youtu.be/2NhhNAa1PAg?si=xwDPLV0cIMunK9Mg
Students across india demand transparent exam systems amid Neet Paper leak concerns (@CNNNews18)
https://youtube.com/shorts/PGqtbmTkMe0?si=pIoPFueN216_E7cY
The CBI has chargesheeted three NTA subject experts in connection with the alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak. (@OneIndia News/Facebook)
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18PYKkNx5D/
The CBI has alleged that three NTA-appointed subject experts were the main sources of the NEET-UG paper leak. (@The Daily Jagran)
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18KPFHgmvs/
Media at a glance: