Millions of students across India spend years preparing for competitive exams, relying on coaching and extensive practice. Moreover, their parents invest hard-earned money to secure opportunities in big cities. However, repeated paper leaks and administrative failures by NTA jeopardized these efforts. Furthermore, NEET UG 2026 became controversial after recent leaks, sparking nationwide criticism against the agency.
Government Plans Strict Security Measures
After continuous controversies, the government now plans unprecedented security measures. Additionally, the Indian Air Force will assist NTA to secure exam papers and materials. Consequently, authorities aim to deliver question papers to centers without human interference, restoring credibility and trust in India’s largest exams.
Decline in NTA Exam Execution
NTA’s efficiency sharply declined in recent years. For example, FY2024 saw only 29 successfully conducted exams, compared to 66 in 2023. Moreover, repeated paper leaks, technical glitches, and sudden cancellations caused this drop. Consequently, agency credibility and student trust fell dramatically.
Drop in Student Registrations
Registered candidates also fell sharply. For instance, 1.33 crore students registered in 2023, but only 85.78 lakh did so in 2024. Furthermore, frequent cancellations and leaks damaged morale, deterring students from registering for exams.
Six-Year Exam Performance Overview
Since its 2017 inception, NTA conducted major exams like NEET, JEE Main, and CUET. After 23 exams in 2019, NTA increased to 35 in 2020, 45 in 2021, 44 in 2022, and a record 66 in 2023. However, in 2024, the agency only conducted 29 exams due to repeated failures.
Exam Formats and Failures
Of 29 exams in 2024, only 12 were fully computer-based tests (CBT). Four exams used hybrid models, three were pen-and-paper, seven relied on written and interviews, two tested English shorthand, and one used remote-protected mode. CUET-UG also required hybrid testing. Consequently, technical failures and administrative lapses disrupted students nationwide.
Repeated Paper Leaks and Cancellations
CUET PG, UGC NET, and NEET exams repeatedly faced leaks or cancellations in 2024. Moreover, NTA canceled or postponed 15 exams since its inception, including high-stakes tests. Consequently, students suffered mental, physical, and financial stress due to repeated administrative failures.
Financial Gains Versus Student Losses
Between 2020–2026, NTA collected over ₹448 crore from exam fees. However, students endured cancellations, stress, technical glitches, and legal hurdles. Therefore, agency profits contrasted sharply with student hardships.
NEET UG 2026 Catastrophe
NEET UG 2026 held on 3 May 2026 became a historic failure. After massive fraud, authorities canceled the exam on 12 May. Investigations revealed “guess papers” sold on WhatsApp and Telegram fifteen days before exams matched over 100 questions exactly. Consequently, the CBI is now investigating this nationwide scam.
NEET UG 2024 Paper Leak
NEET 2024 also faced controversy as 67 students received 720/720 marks. Bihar, Gujarat, and Jharkhand showed evidence of leaks. Moreover, Patna police caught solver gang members and recovered burnt papers near Hazaribagh. The case reached the Supreme Court, which noted exam integrity suffered severely.
UGC NET 2024 Leak
Immediately after UGC NET 2024, the Ministry of Home Affairs reported the entire question paper had leaked online via the dark net at high prices. Consequently, exam confidentiality was completely compromised.
JEE Main 2021 Hacking
JEE Main 2021 suffered a high-tech hack using Russian hackers and remote computer access. Moreover, coaching firms operated students’ computers remotely, enabling fraudulent passes.
Assam Topper Scam 2020
During JEE Main 2020, Assam topper Nil Nakshatra Das used a dummy candidate to take the exam. Consequently, he scored 99.8 percentile. Authorities later jailed coaches, parents, and invigilators involved in the fraud.
Scorecard Errors and Student Suicides
NEET UG 2020 errors caused extreme distress. For example, Vidhi Suryavanshi received 6 marks instead of 590, leading to suicide. Similarly, Mridul Rawat initially failed but later topped All India ST category.
Software Glitches and Technical Failures
JEE Main 2022 experienced software crashes and misaligned response sheets, lowering many students’ percentile scores. Despite repeated complaints, NTA refused to re-conduct exams.
Unequal Student Distribution
JEE Main January 2024 saw misallocation across shifts. Overcrowding in initial shifts caused unpredictable cut-offs, eliminating high-scoring students unfairly.
High-Tech Fraud and Impersonation
JEE Main April 2024 revealed AI and biometric fraud. Several candidates sat exams in others’ names using gadgets. Consequently, NTA banned 39 candidates for three years.
CUET-UG First Session Chaos
CUET-UG 2022 faced server crashes, last-minute exam center changes, and repeated hang issues. Consequently, exams postponed across dozens of centers, causing massive mental stress.
Expert Qualifications Questioned
CUET-UG 2024 provisional answer keys contained numerous incorrect answers, forcing students to pay ₹200 per objection online. Consequently, NTA examiners’ competence faced severe scrutiny.
NEET-PG 2024 Sudden Postponement
Due to controversies and political pressure, NEET-PG 2024 was abruptly postponed near midnight. Consequently, candidates traveling from remote areas suffered physical, mental, and financial strain.
