Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Panel Adopts NTA Reform Report After Statutory Status Dispute
A parliamentary committee studied how to improve the National Testing Agency, or NTA.
Some opposition members wanted the agency to have statutory status, meaning a formal basis in law.
Members of the NDA disagreed with that idea.
Even so, everyone agreed on the wording of the committee’s report.
The report was then adopted unanimously.
The committee also looked at an alleged leak of the NEET-UG exam paper.
The May 12 exam was cancelled, and another exam was held on June 21.
Students and families had raised concerns, and protesters later marched toward Parliament.
The parliamentary education committee unanimously adopted a draft report on reforms and strengthening of the National Testing Agency.
Opposition members sought statutory status for the NTA, while NDA members objected to the proposal.
Members reached a consensus on the report’s wording before adopting it.
The committee examined NTA reforms, implementation of a high-level committee report and the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.
After the May 12 NEET exam was cancelled, the NTA conducted a re-examination on June 21.
- Who
- The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, chaired by Congress member Mukul Wasnik, along with opposition and NDA members.
- What
- The committee unanimously adopted its draft 382nd report on reforms and strengthening of the National Testing Agency.
- When
- On Tuesday; the draft had previously been circulated on August 19, 2026.
- Where
- At a meeting of the parliamentary committee in New Delhi.
- Why
- The committee was considering reforms to the NTA and its response to concerns arising from the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.
Opposition members
NDA members
NTA statutory status
Opposition members
Opposition members wanted the National Testing Agency to be granted statutory status.
NDA members
NDA members objected to granting statutory status to the National Testing Agency.
Final report
Opposition members
Opposition members pressed their position during discussions on the draft report.
NDA members
Despite the disagreement, NDA members and the opposition ultimately reached consensus on the report’s wording and adopted it unanimously.
- Committee
- Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports
- Report
- Draft 382nd report on NTA reforms, prepared in Hindi and English
- Committee chair
- Congress member Mukul Wasnik
- Statutory status
- Opposition members supported granting statutory status to the NTA; NDA members objected
- NEET exam
- The May 12 exam for admission to medical colleges was cancelled following a reported paper leak
- Re-examination
- The NTA held a re-examination on June 21
- Protest
- Students marched toward Parliament on July 20, with violence reported as police tried to stop them
