Major NTA Reform Push! Parliamentary Panel Unanimously Adopts Draft Report After NDA-Opposition Clash Over Statutory Status

On Tuesday, a parliamentary committee unanimously approved a draft report on reforms for the National Testing Agency (NTA) following a conflict between opposition and ruling alliance members regarding the statutory status of the agency. The Committee, led by Congress MP Mukul Wasnik, adopted the report after reaching consensus on its wording, as stated by sources.

During the meeting of the department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports, opposition members sought the NTA's grant of statutory status, while NDA members opposed the idea. The Committee held six meetings to discuss and adopt the 382nd report, which was circulated in both Hindi and English versions on August 19, 2026.

The report also addressed the implementation of a high-level committee's recommendations and the investigation into the NEET-UG paper leak. The panel had examined and questioned senior officials from the Ministry of Higher Education, the NTA, and the National Medical Commission (NMC) about the measures taken by the agency to prevent paper leaks following the NEET exam cancellation on May 12 due to a leak.

The NEET exam, held for medical college admissions, was rescheduled to June 21 after the leak caused widespread concern among students and their families. Students protesting the leaks organized a large march on July 20 towards Parliament the day before the Monsoon session, leading to clashes with police attempting to prevent them from reaching the complex.