New Delhi, November 12: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is planning to appoint retired armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel as examination observers as part of efforts to strengthen examination security and transparency. The move comes amid concerns over examination integrity following the recent NEET-UG paper leak controversy.
According to an official notification issued by the NTA on November 7, the agency intends to create a permanent, pre-verified pool of observers for its examinations. Applications have been invited from retired officers of the armed forces and CAPF, as well as serving and retired academic and administrative personnel from government institutions.
Independent Observers at Examination Centres
Under the proposed arrangement, an independent observer will be deployed at every examination centre. The observer will function separately from the city coordinator and centre superintendent.
Their responsibilities will include monitoring the fairness, security and smooth conduct of examinations, as well as reporting directly to the NTA about the situation at the examination centre.
The agency said creating a permanent pool of observers would help reduce last-minute deployment shortages and substitutions. It would also allow sufficient time for briefing and travel arrangements before examinations.
Applications Open Until December 6
According to the NTA notification, eligible candidates interested in being empanelled as observers can apply online until December 6, 2026.
The NTA conducts several national-level examinations, including NEET-UG, JEE (Main), UGC-NET, CSIR-NET and CUET. The latest initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen the examination system and improve oversight.
