Ex-UGC Chairman Kumar Proposes 3 NTA Reforms: Secure Lifecycle, Build Permanent Expertise, Upgrade Centres

NTA Overhaul: HPTF Seeks Public Feedback on Exam Reforms; Appoints 2 Directors, Joint Director

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is undergoing a major restructuring after exam controversies, with a High-Powered Task Force now seeking public feedback via website and helpline. New directors have been appointed, and extensive reforms like removing 600 experts, implementing a four-tier checking system, and deploying CISF are underway. Students should watch this as a key governance reform in public examination systems.

NCERT Granted Deemed University Status Under UGC Act 1956; Conditions Include NIRF, NAAC Compliance

The Ministry of Education has confirmed NCERT's deemed university status, expanding its role beyond school education into research and doctoral programmes. This move, approved under UGC Act 1956, comes with conditions mandating compliance with UGC norms, NIRF rankings, and NAAC accreditation, raising concerns about academic autonomy.

NEP 2020: 5 Foreign University Campuses Approved, GER Rises to 30% with 2035 Target of 50%

NEP 2020 completes six years with 5 foreign university campuses now approved (3 more in June 2026). However, true internationalisation must benefit all 4.5 crore students. India's GER stands at 30% (target 50% by 2035), while Indian students going abroad declined from 9.08 lakh (2023) to 6 lakh (2025). The next phase must focus on global quality across every campus.

NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak: CBI Charge Sheet Uses Society App Data, Phone Records Against 13 Accused

CBI has filed a charge sheet against 13 accused in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, revealing how three NTA subject experts exploited procedural gaps to memorise and reconstruct questions. Digital evidence from a society access control app and phone records corroborates the conspiracy. This case exposes systemic vulnerabilities in exam security and raises questions about NTA's protocols.

Punjab Passes 3 Digital University Bills, UGC Compliance Dispute, Min Corpus ₹20 Cr

Punjab Vidhan Sabha passed three Bills to establish private digital open universities (Cloud University, MS Digital University, Physicswallah Digital University), sparking opposition over alleged UGC regulation violations. These self-financed universities require a minimum corpus of ₹20 crore, reserve 15% seats for Punjab domiciled students, and rely on the Governor's assent and UGC recognition to operate.

CBI Chargesheet Flags No Formal Criteria for NTA Subject Expert Selection in NEET Leak

The CBI chargesheet in the NEET paper leak case reveals that NTA had no written eligibility criteria or formal documentation for selecting subject experts, relying instead on personal recommendations. This systemic gap allowed a single Chemistry expert to empanel 40-50 teachers, creating multiple leak points. For exam aspirants, this highlights critical vulnerabilities in India's largest entrance exam system.

Nandan Nilekani-led Task Force on NTA Reforms Invites Public Suggestions by Sept 13

The high-powered task force on NTA reforms, chaired by Nandan Nilekani, has opened public consultation on exam security, design, governance, and inclusion. This follows the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and a Supreme Court warning against 'committee hopping'. Students must track this for reforms that could reshape India's public examination system.

UGC Allows Direct PhD Entry for FYUP Graduates: 75% Minimum Marks, Delhi University Opens Registrations for 2026-27

Delhi University has opened registrations for the first batch of Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) students to apply directly for PhD without a Master's degree, a one-time special measure under NEP 2020. This move, backed by UGC regulations, requires a minimum CGPA of 7.5 (UR/OBC/EWS) or 7.0 (SC/ST/PwBD). However, experts warn that students may lack research preparedness and face competition from postgraduate degree holders in the job market.