Pradeep Singh Kharola, a retired IAS officer from the 1985 Kerala cadre, has been appointed as the new Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA) by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Ministry of Education. He succeeds Subodh Kumar Singh in this pivotal role. Kharola, currently serving as the chairman and managing director of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), brings extensive administrative experience to the NTA during a period marked by exam cancellations and postponements including NEET-UG, UGC NET, and CSIR UGC NET.

His appointment is seen as crucial as the NTA faces challenges including allegations of paper leaks and inconsistent marking practices in the NEET UG exam, leading to a decline in public trust. The Ministry of Education has tasked Kharola with restoring credibility to the agency through enhanced security measures, transparent examinations, and reforms in testing procedures and marking schemes. A seven-member committee has been formed to assess the NTA’s operations and recommend improvements, with Kharola expected to collaborate closely to implement necessary reforms.

Kharola’s tenure will be closely monitored for his ability to rebuild public confidence in the NTA by prioritizing transparency and fair practices in competitive examinations. His immediate focus will be on fortifying exam security to prevent future leaks and ensuring rigorous evaluation processes.