NTA readies new panel for setting question papers for NEET UG and other entrance exams; 5,000 experts to take charge.
Following the NEET UG 2026 paper leak, an initiative was launched to implement changes within the National Testing Agency (NTA). As part of this process, the NTA removed a large number of personnel from their positions, including a panel of 600 experts responsible for setting and translating exam papers. Subsequently, the process of forming a new expert panel was initiated. The latest update is that the NTA’s new expert panel has now been established. The NTA has assembled a new panel of 5,000 experts, who will be tasked with setting question papers for NEET UG and various other entrance examinations. Furthermore, the NTA is set to introduce changes to its paper-setting methodology.
Let us examine in detail the functions of the NTA’s new expert panel, the additional changes being implemented within the NTA’s system, and the various entrance examinations conducted by the agency.
Entrance Examinations Conducted by the NTA
The NTA is a premier agency in the country responsible for conducting major entrance examinations, including JEE Main (Sessions 1 and 2), NEET UG, CUET UG, CUET PG, UGC NET, and CSIR NET, among several others.
Responsibilities of the NTA’s New Expert Panel
The NTA has formed a new panel comprising 5,000 professionals—including educators, academicians, researchers, subject matter experts, translators, and scientists. This panel will be responsible for preparing question papers for NEET UG and other entrance examinations. Additionally, the panel will oversee tasks such as the translation of question papers, syllabus mapping, moderation, verification of answer keys, research, evaluation of answer keys, and psychometric validation, along with other confidential duties.
Panel Formed Following a Verification Process
To assemble this new expert panel, the NTA had invited Expressions of Interest (EOI). According to a report by The Indian Express, a new expert panel has been constituted based on the applications received. Experts have been inducted into this panel only after undergoing multiple levels of screening and verification. These professionals have been appointed to the expert panel for a three-year term. The report further states that the 'Expression of Interest' (EOI) process will remain open, allowing for the continuous addition of professionals to the expert panel throughout the year.
Overhauling the Question Bank System to Prevent Leaks
During the investigation into the NEET UG 2026 paper leak, it was discovered that an expert involved in setting the question paper had memorized the questions and subsequently leaked them. In light of this, the NTA is revamping its question bank system. As part of this initiative, the NTA intends to develop an extensive question bank containing such a large number of questions that it would be challenging for any expert to memorize them.
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