Parliamentary Panel Urges Major Overhaul of National Testing Agency After NEET Paper Leak

A parliamentary panel has called for a new legal framework to make the National Testing Agency answerable to both Houses of Parliament following the cancellation of the NEET UG 2026 exam due to paper leaks. The Parliamentary Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports released a detailed report stating that restoring public trust in these tests is essential for social justice and national integrity.

Key Reforms

The committee suggested shifting entrance tests from traditional paper and pen to a computer-based test model, using government-owned centres, and cutting down reliance on private venues. It also recommended setting up a national registry for blacklisted test vendors, expanding question banks using experts from top schools like IITs and AIIMS, and letting late-arriving students take the test after signing an undertaking.

Eligibility Changes

The panel noted that NEET currently has no limit on attempts or upper age limits, allowing candidates over 70 to participate. It recommended that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare explore reasonable age and attempt caps for NEET and other major tests, except for the UGC-NET. To manage high student numbers, the committee proposed a two-stage format with a common prelims exam and specialized mains for different medical streams.

Staffing Issues

The report highlighted that 41 percent of sanctioned posts at the testing agency are vacant, with all 39 permanent positions currently filled through deputation rather than direct permanent hires. The panel urged the agency to hire its own permanent staff with expertise in data analytics, exam security, and psychometrics.

Context

Parliamentary standing committees examine government functioning and agency performance to suggest policy improvements and ensure executive oversight. These reports help shape future legislative debates and administrative reforms in major public sectors like education.