Teen flags 'vulnerabilities' in NTA portal just days ahead of NEET re-test
A 16-year-old cybersecurity researcher alleged vulnerabilities in the NTA's re-examination portal and possible unauthorised dashboard access. The claims, still unverified, have intensified concern after users reported the link showing a 404 error.
There could be fresh trouble in store for the National Testing Agency (NTA), which has been caught in a paper leak row that forced the agency to cancel and announce a re-test of the 2026 NEET-UG examination. A person identifying themselves as a cybersecurity researcher has alleged serious vulnerabilities in its re-examination portal that could potentially expose sensitive administrative and user data.
The allegations, made by a 16-year-old "cybersecurity researcher" on X, have raised concerns about the security preparedness of digital platforms responsible for conducting and managing high-stakes examinations in India. The new claims come in the wake of serious security flaws being discovered in CBSE's Class 12 marking portal.
Although the claims have not been independently verified, they have sparked discussion among students, educators, and cybersecurity experts due to the sensitive nature of the information reportedly involved.
According to the user, the vulnerability may have exposed data related to thousands of observers, centre coordinators, and examination centres, including names, email addresses, and phone numbers.
The researcher further alleged that the issue extended beyond data exposure. According to the claims, unauthorised access to the portal's administrative dashboard could have enabled functions such as exporting data, generating appointment letters, managing observer records, uploading templates, and handling administrative mappings.
NTA RE-EXAMINATION PORTAL DOWN
As the allegations gained traction online, several users reported that the portal link began displaying a "404 Not Found" error message, raising further questions about the status of the platform.
The NTA has not yet issued an official response to the claims.
The latest allegations come at a time when the NTA is already facing heightened scrutiny over the conduct and management of national-level examinations. While the claims regarding the re-examination portal remain unverified, the episode has once again underscored the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for platforms handling sensitive educational data. An official response from the agency is awaited, and further clarity is likely to emerge once the allegations are examined.
CBSE ON-SCREEN MARKING ROW
The CBSE’s On-Screen Marking (OSM) controversy is set to face parliamentary scrutiny, with the Standing Committee on Education convening a high-level meeting to examine concerns raised by students over evaluation discrepancies and technical glitches.
The development comes after the board acknowledged vulnerabilities in the OSM platform used for Class 12 answer-sheet evaluation, marking a shift from its earlier stance that the issue was limited to an incorrect URL and testing portal.
As scrutiny intensifies from students, cybersecurity experts, and lawmakers, CBSE has simultaneously opened the re-evaluation window for Class 12 students, with applications for verification and re-evaluation being accepted until June 6.
There could be fresh trouble in store for the National Testing Agency (NTA), which has been caught in a paper leak row that forced the agency to cancel and announce a re-test of the 2026 NEET-UG examination. A person identifying themselves as a cybersecurity researcher has alleged serious vulnerabilities in its re-examination portal that could potentially expose sensitive administrative and user data.
The allegations, made by a 16-year-old "cybersecurity researcher" on X, have raised concerns about the security preparedness of digital platforms responsible for conducting and managing high-stakes examinations in India. The new claims come in the wake of serious security flaws being discovered in CBSE's Class 12 marking portal.
Although the claims have not been independently verified, they have sparked discussion among students, educators, and cybersecurity experts due to the sensitive nature of the information reportedly involved.
According to the user, the vulnerability may have exposed data related to thousands of observers, centre coordinators, and examination centres, including names, email addresses, and phone numbers.
The researcher further alleged that the issue extended beyond data exposure. According to the claims, unauthorised access to the portal's administrative dashboard could have enabled functions such as exporting data, generating appointment letters, managing observer records, uploading templates, and handling administrative mappings.
NTA RE-EXAMINATION PORTAL DOWN
As the allegations gained traction online, several users reported that the portal link began displaying a "404 Not Found" error message, raising further questions about the status of the platform.
The NTA has not yet issued an official response to the claims.
The latest allegations come at a time when the NTA is already facing heightened scrutiny over the conduct and management of national-level examinations. While the claims regarding the re-examination portal remain unverified, the episode has once again underscored the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for platforms handling sensitive educational data. An official response from the agency is awaited, and further clarity is likely to emerge once the allegations are examined.
CBSE ON-SCREEN MARKING ROW
The CBSE’s On-Screen Marking (OSM) controversy is set to face parliamentary scrutiny, with the Standing Committee on Education convening a high-level meeting to examine concerns raised by students over evaluation discrepancies and technical glitches.
The development comes after the board acknowledged vulnerabilities in the OSM platform used for Class 12 answer-sheet evaluation, marking a shift from its earlier stance that the issue was limited to an incorrect URL and testing portal.
As scrutiny intensifies from students, cybersecurity experts, and lawmakers, CBSE has simultaneously opened the re-evaluation window for Class 12 students, with applications for verification and re-evaluation being accepted until June 6.
