The National Testing Agency (NTA) is preparing sweeping changes to India's examination system in the wake of the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy and concerns over alleged marking discrepancies in CBSE examinations. According to a report by The Indian Express, the agency is working on a new framework designed to limit human intervention and reduce the risk of leaks by ensuring that even subject experts preparing questions are unaware of the specific examination for which the questions are intended.

Under the proposed model, experts from different disciplines would contribute questions that would be stored in a central digital repository. Officials familiar with the plan said the question bank could eventually contain around 10,000 questions. Technology-driven systems would then be used to generate final examination papers, minimizing the number of individuals with access to complete question sets.

The move comes as the government seeks to restore confidence in the examination process following allegations surrounding NEET-UG 2026. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had taken moral responsibility for the controversy and was actively working to strengthen the system rather than avoid accountability.

According to NTA officials, the aim is to ensure that trust is placed in the process rather than individuals. The agency is also looking to overhaul the translation mechanism after investigators arrested individuals allegedly linked to translation-related lapses in the paper leak case.

AI to Play Bigger Role

The NTA has already informed the Supreme Court that nearly 85% of translation work may be carried out using artificial intelligence. Human experts would subsequently verify the accuracy of translated content. Officials said efforts are also being made to ensure that translators are not aware of the examination for which the questions are being processed.

At the same time, the agency is strengthening the logistics involved in printing, transporting and storing question papers. New subject experts have reportedly been added ahead of the NEET-UG re-test scheduled for June 21, with enhanced safeguards being introduced to prevent security breaches.

Government Defends Minister

Speaking at The Indian Express Idea Exchange programme, Kiren Rijiju said millions of students had been affected by the NEET controversy and issues related to CBSE evaluation. He said the government's responsibility was to correct shortcomings and improve institutional mechanisms.

Rijiju maintained that demands for resignation are justified only when there are direct allegations of corruption or misconduct against a minister or their staff. He said no such allegations have been made against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the NEET paper leak case.

Meanwhile, the NTA has rejected claims circulating on social media regarding alleged leaks of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination paper. The agency described the messages as false and misleading, warning students and parents against falling prey to scam groups seeking financial gains.

Officials said accounts spreading misinformation are being identified and details have been shared with social media platforms and cybercrime authorities for action. Legal complaints have also been filed in several cases.

Investigators have arrested 13 people so far in connection with the NEET paper leak case. As preparations for the June 21 re-test continue, authorities say the proposed reforms are intended to strengthen transparency and rebuild trust in India's competitive examination system