NTA denies security breach allegations, says website, portals fully secure

NEW DELHI: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a statement via its official X handle, denying allegations of security breaches across its website and associated web portals. This clarification comes amidst growing concerns and speculations regarding the integrity of the NTA's online platforms following recent controversies surrounding its NEET, UGC NET examinations.

According to NTA officials, claims suggesting that their websites, portals were compromised or hacked are inaccurate and misleading. The NTA posted on X handle saying, NTA website and all its web portals are fully secure. Any information that they have been compromised and hacked is wrong and misleading.

Lately, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has been in the spotlight due to controversies over irregularities in NEET UG and the cancellation of UGC NET 2024. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan admitted that consecutive paper leaks, impacting around 35 lakh students, represented an institutional failure at the NTA, resulting in the removal of its chief.

The NTA was originally established to conduct entrance examinations for admission and fellowships in higher educational institutions with a focus on efficiency, transparency, and accuracy.

NEET, NET Row: NTA chief removed

In response to the controversy, the Centre removed NTA director general Subodh Singh of his duties and placed him on "compulsory wait" at the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) till further orders. Pradeep Singh Kharola who is currently the chairman and managing director of the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), will serve until a permanent appointment is finalised.

High-level committee to study NTA's functioning

The Ministry of Education (MoE) established a seven-member committee to review the operations of the NTA. Former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan will lead the panel, which also includes former AIIMS Delhi director Randeep Guleria. The committee will give recommendations on reforms in the examination process, improvements in data security protocols, and the structure, functioning of the NTA.