NTA Reforms: How Will the Expert Committee Stop Paper Leaks? IIT Madras Director Explains Technology's Role

The Central Government has initiated a major overhaul of India's entrance examination system to make NEET, JEE, and other competitive exams more transparent, secure, accountable, and technology-driven. As part of this reform, IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti has been appointed to the government's expert committee tasked with strengthening the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Speaking about the proposed reforms, Prof. Kamakoti said technology will play a central role in eliminating loopholes and ensuring that every stage of the examination process is transparent and verifiable.

Every Mark Must Be Accounted For

According to Prof. Kamakoti, the future examination system should clearly explain how a candidate's marks are calculated.

He emphasized that if a student scores 90 marks, the NTA should be able to provide complete transparency regarding the evaluation process, making the system more accountable and trustworthy.

Four Pillars of the New NTA Examination System

The expert committee is developing the new examination framework around four key principles:

Complete transparency

Robust examination security

Leak-proof question paper management

Technology-driven monitoring and evaluation

Prof. Kamakoti noted that with millions of students appearing for national entrance examinations every year, India's examination ecosystem now requires stronger technological safeguards than ever before.

Lessons Learned from NEET 2024 and NEET 2026

Referring to previous controversies, Prof. Kamakoti said the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak occurred during the distribution stage and affected only a limited number of candidates, according to investigative agencies. Following the investigation, all accused were arrested, and the Supreme Court ruled that a nationwide re-examination was unnecessary.

He added that the Radhakrishnan Committee subsequently submitted nearly 200 recommendations, many of which have already been implemented by the NTA to improve question paper distribution and security.

Biggest Challenge Is Protecting Question Paper Setters

Prof. Kamakoti pointed out that the alleged NEET 2026 leak was fundamentally different.

According to investigative findings, the breach reportedly originated during the question paper preparation stage rather than distribution.

He explained that two groups remain most critical in maintaining examination integrity:

Question paper setters

Examination centre invigilators

While surveillance technologies and cameras can effectively monitor examination centres, ensuring complete confidentiality among question paper setters remains one of the biggest challenges.

AI Will Assist—Not Replace Human Experts

The IIT Madras Director clarified that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will support the examination process but cannot independently prepare question papers.

According to him, AI can generate draft questions, but subject experts must verify:

Accuracy of questions

Correct answers

Difficulty level

Language translations

Since examinations like NEET are conducted in 12 languages, every translated question must undergo detailed human verification before release.

Reforms Expected Before Next Examination Cycle

The committee has begun reviewing existing examination procedures ahead of the next admission cycle beginning in December.

Prof. Kamakoti expressed confidence that technological reforms, stronger security mechanisms, and future legislative support from Parliament will significantly strengthen India's examination system and restore public confidence.