NTA seeks fresh panel of subject experts for question paper setting, vetting, translation; no coaching links

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has invited applications from academicians, educators, researchers and subject specialists to join its panel of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), as the examination body undertakes a major overhaul of its question-paper and examination processes.

The new empanelment exercise comes after the NTA removed around 600 subject experts from its examination panels and began onboarding new specialists. The agency has also introduced a four-tier checking system for question papers as part of measures to strengthen scrutiny before examinations.

Separately, the NTA has removed more than 50 staff members and started recruiting professionals for areas such as test security, cybersecurity, psychometrics and technology, according to reports. The agency has also advertised senior positions as part of its effort to strengthen its examination administration.

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NTA overhaul follows exam controversies

The overhaul follows concerns over the conduct of major NTA examinations, including the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and errors in UGC-NET question papers. The Centre has also appointed new officials to key NTA positions and initiated wider consultations on reforms to the public examination system.

Under the new EoI, applicants must not be associated with candidate-coaching organisations, test-preparation companies or examination coaching institutes. They are also required to disclose any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest during their empanelment.

The NTA's EoI, issued on August 10 and subsequently extended, seeks experts for question paper setting, vetting, translation, moderation, answer-key verification, curriculum mapping and other confidential academic work. The last date to submit applications has been extended to October 9, 2026.

NTA SME 2026: Conflict-of-interest rules

The NTA has described its integrity conditions as non-negotiable. Applicants must not be directly or indirectly associated with a candidate-coaching organisation, test-preparation company or exam-coaching institute.

The conflict-of-interest declaration also asks applicants whether they:

• Are currently associated with a coaching or test-preparation organisation.
• Have been associated with a candidate-coaching organisation in the last three years.
• Have authored, edited, co-authored or endorsed commercially published preparation material, mock tests, question banks or sample papers for NTA or similar entrance examinations in the last five years.
• Have any commercial relationship with a test-preparation entity.
• Have an immediate family member preparing for or appearing in an NTA examination in the year of empanelment.
• Have ever been debarred, blacklisted or removed by an examination body for malpractice or breach of confidentiality.
• Have any ongoing criminal case or departmental proceedings.

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The EoI states that false declarations can lead to immediate de-empanelment and action under applicable laws. Selected experts will also have to disclose any new conflict of interest that arises during the empanelment period.

The empanelment will be for three years. However, being empanelled does not guarantee a fixed number of assignments or any minimum honorarium. Assignments will depend on NTA's requirements, the expert's area of expertise, quality of work and availability.