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New Delhi: Following the NEET paper leak, the government has undertaken a major administrative restructuring within the National Testing Agency (NTA), ( NTA) appointing two new Joint Directors and two Joint Secretaries. Akash Jain, an officer of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), has been appointed as a Joint Director at the NTA. Additionally, Aditya Rajendra Bhojgadia has also been entrusted with the responsibility of Joint Director. Meanwhile, Anuja Bapat and Ruchita Vij have been appointed to the post of Joint Secretary. An order regarding these appointments has been issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
Appointments Made Following ACC Approval
It is noteworthy that these appointments have been made under the Department of Higher Education. Their postings were finalized following approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). The NTA conducts several major entrance examinations across the country, including NEET, JEE Main, and CUET. These new appointments are expected to accelerate and streamline examination management, coordination, and administrative operations.
Who Are the Two Joint Secretaries?
Anuja Bapat, appointed as Joint Secretary, is a 1998-batch officer of the Indian Statistical Service. Ruchita Vij, also appointed as Joint Secretary, is a 2004-batch IRS officer. Both of these appointments have been made for a tenure of five years.
Who is Akash Jain?
Akash Jain, appointed as Joint Director, is a 2013-batch IRS officer. He has been posted as Joint Director at the NTA through a “lateral shift”—a mechanism involving a transfer from one government department to another. His tenure will continue until December 4, 2029.
Who is Rajendra Bhojgadia?
Rajendra Bhojgadia, appointed as Joint Director, is a 2013-batch officer of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service. He, too, has been posted as Joint Director at the NTA through a lateral shift—a transfer from one government department to another. Their tenure will continue until May 16, 2028.
It is worth noting that these appointments are being viewed as part of a broader effort to ensure transparency and improved administration within the NTA’s examination process. The NEET-UG 2026 examination, originally held on May 3, was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak. These examinations are now scheduled to be conducted again on June 21. A CBI investigation into the matter is currently underway.
