Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar disclosed that 15 out of the 39 posts created by the National Testing Agency (NTA) are still vacant. The agency relies heavily on deputation and contract hires, raising concerns amid student protests over exam integrity.

Key Takeaways

  • 15 of 39 established NTA positions remain unfilled
  • All 24 current employees are on deputation from other institutions
  • Widespread student protests highlight potential impact on exam fairness

Detailed Situation

In a written reply dated July 22, 2026, Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar responded to CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member V. Sivadasan, stating that fifteen of the thirty‑nine posts created for the National Testing Agency (NTA) are still vacant. The agency currently has 24 employees, all appointed on deputation from various institutions.

Additionally, NTA engages 73 officials on contract – including a General Manager of Communication, senior advisors, and consultants – and 124 outsourced personnel covering data analysis, legal support, and housekeeping functions.

Historical Background

Founded in 2018 as a self‑sustained autonomous body, NTA has conducted over 270 examinations, serving more than 66 million students. In 2026 alone, 6.5 million candidates registered for various exams.

Despite its scale, the agency has faced intense criticism over paper leaks and exam cancellations, notably in high‑stakes tests such as NEET and UGC‑NET, raising questions about its operational robustness.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the chronic understaffing and heavy reliance on deputation undermine the agency’s ability to ensure exam security and fairness, fueling nationwide student protests and eroding public trust in India’s higher‑education assessment system.

“Without a permanent, qualified cadre, NTA’s operational capacity remains limited, jeopardizing the integrity of examinations.” – Prof. Arvind Kumar, Education Policy Expert
Did You Know?: NTA’s revenue jumped from ₹504.16 crore in 2018‑19 to ₹1,116.84 crore in 2023‑24, yet the ministry omitted figures for FY 2024‑25 and 2025‑26 in its response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is there a timeline for filling the vacant NTA positions?
A1: The government has not announced a clear schedule, but the minister emphasized the urgency of appointments.

Q2: How would permanent recruitment improve the agency’s performance?
A2: A stable, permanent workforce would enhance accountability, continuity, and exam security, thereby restoring student confidence.