{
  "id": 2002480,
  "title": "NTA overhaul: Shorter tenures for subject experts, staggered information spread, air-gapped systems",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/nta-overhaul-shorter-tenures-for-subject-experts-staggered",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-19T19:22:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/education/nta-overhaul-shorter-tenures-for-subject-experts-staggered-information-spread-air-gapped-systems-10840901/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On the day after the Education Ministry unveiled an overhaul of the National Testing Agency (NTA) examination system, a high-ranking official revealed plans for shorter tenures for subject experts and staggered dissemination of information. The official attributed increased vulnerability to a \"mafia\" if subject experts remained in their roles for prolonged periods. The NTA and the Ministry of Education are contemplating a system where these experts won't be given complete information, with key details disclosed only to those directly involved on a need-to-know basis. The overhaul is set to be implemented in two distinct levels: during question paper setting and during physical security measures. At the physical security level, a four-tier system will be in place, requiring individuals entering examination centers to undergo thorough frisking, credentials verification, electronic device checks, and work in \"air-gapped systems\" – isolated computer systems with no connection to unsecured external networks. The new system was previously tested in the CSIR exam and NEET re-exam and is now being institutionalized. Last year's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports had highlighted issues with the NTA, noting that multiple exams faced major problems in 2024, including postponements and paper leaks. The committee recommended that the NTA must improve its performance to restore the confidence of examinees.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Shorter tenures for subject experts to reduce vulnerability",
    "Staggered information dissemination to limit exposure",
    "Air-gapped systems for physical security measures"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}