UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Why did NTA’s ‘Zero Error’ policy fail?

Q1. The National Testing Agency (NTA) was set up as an autonomous, self-sustained premier testing organisation following the approval of which authority?

  • A. The Union Cabinet, in 2017
  • B. Parliament, through a dedicated statute enacted in 2017
  • C. The University Grants Commission, by a governing-body resolution
  • D. The Ministry of Education, by executive notification without Cabinet approval

Q2. With reference to the examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), consider the following: 1. NEET-UG 2. JEE Main 3. UGC-NET 4. NEET-PG Which of the above is/are correctly identified as examinations conducted by the NTA?

  1. NEET-UG
  2. JEE Main
  3. UGC-NET
  4. NEET-PG
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1, 2 and 4
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q3. With reference to the NEET-UG 2024 rank-inflation controversy as compared with earlier editions, consider the following statements: 1. An unusually large number of candidates secured full marks in 2024 relative to the immediately preceding year. 2. The 2024 result was declared on the same day as the Lok Sabha general election results, departing from the usual schedule. 3. The number of candidates who qualified in 2024 fell sharply compared with 2023. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. An unusually large number of candidates secured full marks in 2024 relative to the immediately preceding year.
  2. The 2024 result was declared on the same day as the Lok Sabha general election results, departing from the usual schedule.
  3. The number of candidates who qualified in 2024 fell sharply compared with 2023.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. The irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 examination were referred by the Ministry of Education for investigation to which agency?

  • A. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
  • B. National Investigation Agency (NIA)
  • C. Enforcement Directorate (ED)
  • D. Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)

Q5. The conduct of the NEET-UG 2026 examination and its subsequent re-test is operationalised by which agency?

  • A. National Testing Agency (NTA)
  • B. National Board of Examinations (NBE)
  • C. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
  • D. University Grants Commission (UGC)

Q6. The NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination, ordered after the exam was declared compromised, was scheduled to be held on which date?

  • A. 21 June 2026
  • B. 5 May 2026
  • C. 12 May 2026
  • D. 1 July 2026

Q7. With reference to the High-Level Committee of Experts constituted to reform the NTA, as distinct from a purely academic review body, consider the following statements: 1. It was chaired by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, a former Chairman of ISRO. 2. Its terms of reference included reviewing data-security protocols and the end-to-end examination process, not merely question quality. 3. It was constituted by the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. It was chaired by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, a former Chairman of ISRO.
  2. Its terms of reference included reviewing data-security protocols and the end-to-end examination process, not merely question quality.
  3. It was constituted by the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q8. In the terms of reference of the High-Level Committee on NTA reform, the phrase 'end-to-end examination process' most precisely refers to:

  • A. The complete cycle from question-paper setting through examination conduct to result declaration
  • B. Only the transmission of question papers from printers to examination centres
  • C. Only the post-examination stage of evaluation and rank compilation
  • D. The financial audit of the agency from budgeting to expenditure

Q9. Under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, consider the following: 1. Leakage of a question paper or answer key 2. Tampering with computer networks or documents 3. Conducting fake examinations or issuing fake admit cards for monetary gain 4. A candidate arriving late to the examination centre Which of the above is/are correctly identified as 'unfair means' penalised under the Act?

  1. Leakage of a question paper or answer key
  2. Tampering with computer networks or documents
  3. Conducting fake examinations or issuing fake admit cards for monetary gain
  4. A candidate arriving late to the examination centre
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1, 2 and 4
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q10. Comparing the penalty structure for general offences with that for organised crime under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, consider the following statements: 1. General offences attract 3–5 years' imprisonment, whereas organised crime attracts 5–10 years. 2. Organised crime carries a minimum fine of ₹1 crore, higher than the up-to-₹10 lakh fine for general offences. 3. All offences under the Act are bailable and compoundable. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. General offences attract 3–5 years' imprisonment, whereas organised crime attracts 5–10 years.
  2. Organised crime carries a minimum fine of ₹1 crore, higher than the up-to-₹10 lakh fine for general offences.
  3. All offences under the Act are bailable and compoundable.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q11. At the Union level, the coordination of security and logistical readiness for the NEET Re-Examination 2026 was led under the authority of which office?

  • A. Union Home Secretary (Ministry of Home Affairs)
  • B. Cabinet Secretary
  • C. Union Education Secretary
  • D. Director General, National Testing Agency

Q12. Comparing the National Testing Agency (NTA) with other examination-conducting bodies, consider the following statements: 1. Unlike NEET-UG, which is conducted by the NTA, NEET-PG is conducted by the National Board of Examinations. 2. The Civil Services Examination is conducted by the UPSC, a constitutional body under Article 315, whereas the NTA is a non-constitutional autonomous body. 3. Like the UPSC, the NTA derives its authority directly from a specific provision of the Constitution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Unlike NEET-UG, which is conducted by the NTA, NEET-PG is conducted by the National Board of Examinations.
  2. The Civil Services Examination is conducted by the UPSC, a constitutional body under Article 315, whereas the NTA is a non-constitutional autonomous body.
  3. Like the UPSC, the NTA derives its authority directly from a specific provision of the Constitution.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3