NTA DG Subodh Kumar Singh Sent on Leave Over UGC NET, NEET UG 2024 Paper Leak Controversy

In a proactive move to restore trust in the national examination system, Ministry of Education has constituted a High-Level Committee of Experts headed by former ISRO Chairman, Dr. K. Radhakrishnan

The Ministry of Education has taken decisive action in response to the recent NEET UG 2024 paper leak controversy. Subodh Kumar Singh, Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA), has been placed on compulsory wait in the Department of Personnel & Training.

This move comes amid growing concerns about the integrity and transparency of the examination process under his leadership.

To address the immediate vacancy, Pradeep Singh Kharola, IAS (KN:85) (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director of India Trade Promotion Organization, has been assigned the additional charge of Director General, National Testing Agency. He will hold this position until a regular incumbent is appointed or further orders are issued.

High-Level Committee Formed to Reform Examination Process

In a proactive move to restore trust in the national examination system, the Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education, has constituted a High-Level Committee of Experts. This committee, chaired by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, Former Chairman of ISRO and Chairman of the Board of Governors at IIT Kanpur, aims to overhaul the examination process, enhance data security protocols, and optimize the structure and functioning of the NTA.

Other members of the committee include:

Dr. Randeep Guleria, Former Director of AIIMS Delhi

Prof. B J Rao, Vice Chancellor of Central University of Hyderabad

Prof. Ramamurthy K, Professor Emeritus at IIT Madras

Pankaj Bansal, Co-Founder of People Strong and Board Member of Karmayogi Bharat

Prof. Aditya Mittal, Dean of Student Affairs at IIT Delhi

Shri Govind Jaiswal, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Education

The committee's mandate includes a comprehensive review of the examination process, analysis of current procedures, and enhancement of standard operating protocols to prevent breaches. They will also propose improvements to data security measures and optimize the organizational structure of the NTA, ensuring clear roles and responsibilities and a robust grievance redressal mechanism.

Background of the NEET UG 2024 Controversy

The NEET UG 2024 examination has been marred by allegations of paper leaks and irregularities, leading to widespread concerns about its fairness. On June 4, 2024, the NTA declared the NEET UG 2024 results, which were quickly followed by accusations of paper leaks and demands for clarification. The controversy intensified when it was revealed that 67 students had scored All India Rank 1, many from the same exam center, raising questions about the exam's integrity.

The Supreme Court intervened on June 13, ordering a re-exam for 1,563 students who had received grace marks. The re-exam is scheduled for June 23, with results expected before June 30. On June 20, key figures involved in the paper leak, including Anurag Yadav and Amit Anand, confessed to their roles in the scandal.

Government's Response

In response to these revelations, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that there would be no re-exam for NEET UG 2024, aiming to protect the interests of genuine candidates. Instead, a high-level committee will review the NTA's functioning to ensure transparency and prevent future issues.

This latest development highlights the government's commitment to maintaining the integrity of national examinations and addressing any lapses in the system to uphold public trust.