The central government has appointed two joint secretaries and joint directors in the National Testing Agency (NTA) for a tenure of five years. Anuja Bapat, a 1998-batch officer of the Indian Statistical Service, and Ruchita Vij, a 2004-batch officer of the Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Indirect Taxes), have been named as the new joint secretaries in the NTA.
Appointments Effective Immediately
The appointments, announced on May 16, 2026, are effective immediately. Both officers bring extensive experience in their respective fields to the NTA, which oversees major entrance examinations across the country. The joint secretaries will play a key role in streamlining the agency's operations and enhancing the efficiency of exam administration.
Roles and Responsibilities
As joint secretaries, Bapat and Vij will be responsible for policy formulation, coordination with various educational institutions, and ensuring the smooth conduct of tests. Their five-year term aims to provide stability and continuity in the NTA's leadership. Additionally, the Centre has also appointed new joint directors to support the agency's technical and administrative functions.
The NTA, established in 2017, conducts exams such as JEE Main, NEET UG, UGC NET, and CTET. These appointments are part of the government's efforts to strengthen the agency's manpower and improve the examination process.
