NTA opens applications for subject experts, translation reviewers in exam overhaul
The NTA is inviting educators and domain specialists to apply for empanelment as subject matter experts and translation reviewers, with a deadline of October 9.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has invited applications from experienced educators, researchers and academicians for empanelment as subject matter experts and translation reviewers, as part of a wider overhaul of its examination processes following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy.
The agency has removed 600 subject matter experts — including external, contracted and panel-based specialists who were involved in setting question papers, translating content and conducting psychometric reviews — after an investigation found that certain experts and translators were compromised and responsible for the leak. A fresh cohort of specialists is now being brought in to replace them entirely.
Interested candidates can submit their Expressions of Interest through the NTA portal until October 9.
In a post on X, the agency said the opportunity is aimed at those committed to maintaining pedagogical excellence, academic integrity and rigorous assessment standards across India's premier national-level examinations.
For subject matter experts, the NTA has outlined responsibilities that include framing questions that promote higher-order thinking and are application-based and aligned with the syllabus. Experts will also be expected to review and vet test items for conceptual accuracy, clarity and appropriate difficulty calibration.
The role further involves moderation work to ensure standardisation, neutrality and adherence to exam blueprints, along with translation and "trans adaptation" — providing precise, culturally and linguistically sound translations across multiple regional languages.
Serving or retired faculty, professors, school educators and domain specialists with demonstrable subject expertise are eligible to apply.
Separately, the agency is recruiting translation reviewers to strengthen the quality and accuracy of multilingual exam content. Their work will include reviewing AI-assisted translations across 13 Indian languages and supporting quality control in national examinations.
The NTA noted that as examination content is increasingly made available in multiple Indian languages and AI-assisted translation becomes more common, expert human review remains important for maintaining linguistic accuracy, clarity, consistency and contextual relevance. It encouraged those proficient in the required Indian languages and with an eye for detail to contribute to the process.