In a significant administrative shake-up, the Centre has appointed Pradeep Singh Kharola, a retired 1985 batch Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer, as the new Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Kharola takes over from Subodh Kumar Singh, who has been placed on compulsory wait in the Department of Personnel and Training.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet officially sanctioned this change, stating: "The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the assignment of additional charge of the post of Director General, National Testing Agency, Ministry of Education to Shri Pradeep Singh Kharola. IAS (KN:85) (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, India Trade Promotion Organisation until the appointment of a regular incumbent or until further orders, whichever is earlier."

This decision follows shortly after the government announced the formation of a high-level committee led by former ISRO chairperson K. Radhakrishnan. The committee is tasked with ensuring the transparent, smooth, and fair conduct of national examinations, a response to the recent controversies surrounding the NEET and UGC-NET exams.

The swift replacement of the NTA director general underscores the government's commitment to addressing the issues and restoring confidence in the examination process. The appointment of Kharola, who brings a wealth of administrative experience, is seen as a strategic move to bolster the functioning of the NTA during this critical period.