NTA has empanelled over 5,000 experts and is developing a common question bank to prevent paper leaks and strengthen exam security The National Testing Agency (NTA) has empanelled more than 5,000 experts for setting, translating and vetting examination question papers as part of its efforts to strengthen examination security following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, The Indian Express reported. The agency is also working on developing a common question bank that would allow examination papers to be finalised closer to the examination date, reducing the possibility of questions being accessed or circulated in advance. According to the report, the proposed question bank is part of a broader exercise to overhaul the NTA's examination processes and address vulnerabilities exposed by the NEET-UG paper leak. The initiative is aimed at making the paper-setting process more secure and reducing dependence on a limited pool of question-paper setters. The empanelment of more than 5,000 experts is expected to expand the pool of academicians and subject specialists available for examination-related assignments. These experts can be involved in preparing, translating and reviewing questions across different examinations conducted by the agency. A larger expert pool could also help distribute confidential responsibilities among more professionals, reducing the risks associated with repeated reliance on a smaller group of individuals. The common question bank, meanwhile, is expected to provide a structured repository from which questions can be selected for examinations. This could allow the agency to prepare question papers closer to the examination, limiting the time during which a complete paper remains accessible. The latest measures follow the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, which led to the cancellation of the May 3 examination and its subsequent re-conduct on June 21. The controversy triggered nationwide student protests and raised questions about the security of confidential examination material. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was entrusted with investigating the alleged leak. The incident also intensified scrutiny of the NTA's examination management, including question-paper preparation, translation, vetting and the handling of confidential material. The reforms assume significance beyond NEET-UG, as the NTA conducts several major national-level examinations, including JEE Main, CUET and UGC-NET. Strengthening the question-setting and paper-security mechanisms is therefore an important part of restoring confidence in the agency's examination system. Lakshima Sareen is a Senior Copy Editor with the Digital Education Desk at Times Now, specialising in education news, exam updates, and policy reporti... View More