A parliamentary panel has summoned senior officials from the Union Education Ministry, the National Testing Agency (NTA), and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to appear before it on Friday. The meeting concerns assurances related to the conduct of examinations by the testing agency.
Notice and Participants
According to a notice issued by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat on Wednesday, the Committee on Government Assurances will hear the views of Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi, NTA Director General Abhishek Singh, and CBI Director Praveen Sood. The meeting is scheduled for 11 am on Friday.
Background of the Assurance
The matter pertains to an assurance given in the Rajya Sabha in response to an unstarred question dated November 27, 2024, on the “Conduct of Examination by NTA.” In its written reply to the question in November 2024, the Education Ministry stated that the CBI was conducting a comprehensive investigation into alleged irregularities, including conspiracy, cheating, and breach of trust. The CBI had filed five charge sheets against 45 accused as of November 22, 2024.
NEET-UG Exam Controversy
This year’s NEET-UG exam for medical admissions was held on May 3 but was cancelled by the NTA on May 12 following allegations of a paper leak. The matter is currently under investigation by the CBI, and a retest has been scheduled for June 21.
Medical College Scam
The parliamentary panel will also hear the views of Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, National Medical Commission Chairman Abhijat Chandrakant Sheth, and the CBI Director regarding another assurance linked to the “Medical College Scam.” In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha in July 2025, the Health Ministry said the CBI registered an FIR in New Delhi under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Prevention of Corruption Act. The allegations involve dummy faculty, fake inspections, and falsified patient records.
