'To dismantle malpractice networks': NTA creates specialist roles for exam security & investigations

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is strengthening its internal machinery with a fresh round of recruitment for senior specialists in cybersecurity, examination-centre operations, and vigilance and investigations.

The agency has issued separate notifications for three General Manager-level positions at its New Delhi headquarters — General Manager-Test Centre Network & Operations (GM-TCNO), General Manager-Information Security (Chief Information Security Officer/CISO), and General Manager-Vigilance, Investigation & Forensics (GM-VIF).

The move comes as NTA works to overhaul its functioning after a series of controversies surrounding its examinations, including the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The agency had earlier described specialist appointments as an initial step towards strengthening its institutional capacity and reducing its reliance on contractual and outsourced manpower.

New role to tackle exam malpractice

The GM-VIF will be responsible for investigating complaints linked to paper leaks, impersonation and fraud. The role also includes developing a digital forensics system to track cyber threats, examine social-media intelligence and follow financial trails connected to suspected malpractice.

The officer will coordinate with the CBI, IB, ED, cybercrime units and state police, while also travelling to investigation sites, courts and offices of partner agencies when required.

NTA said in a post on X, “If you have a distinguished background in intelligence, investigation, or anti-fraud operations (CBI, IB, ED, Police, or as a CVO), this is a unique opportunity to build NTA’s internal defense mechanisms and dismantle examination malpractice networks."

Focus on smoother exam operations

The GM-TCNO will be responsible for ensuring “zero-disruption exam delivery” across NTA’s examination centres. The role will also involve expanding the agency’s centre network to Tier-3, Tier-4 and aspirational districts.

Improving facilities for candidates and working with state and district administrations, as well as law-enforcement agencies, will also fall under the officer’s responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the GM-CISO will lead efforts to strengthen security across NTA’s technology infrastructure. The position includes setting up a 24x7 Security Operations Centre (SOC), monitoring technology vendors and ensuring compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, CERT-In directions and MeitY guidelines.

More specialist positions added

The latest recruitment follows several hiring drives by NTA this year. In May, the agency advertised posts for a Chief Technology Officer, Chief Finance Officer and General Manager-Human Resources.

In July, it also invited applications for nine senior positions, including joint directors, deputy directors, an assistant director, a research scientist and a senior superintendent (Accounts).

The agency has also announced newly created general manager positions in assessment research and psychometrics, test-centre operations, information security, and vigilance, investigation and forensics, along with 16 young professional posts through UPSC’s Pratibha Setu portal.