The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been ordered by the Delhi High Court to form an expert committee within four weeks to review concerns about the UGC NET History exam. This directive came on February 19, 2026, following challenges to nine questions and two translations.
Court Mandates Expert Review
A candidate filed a writ petition challenging four questions. During the initial hearing on February 10, 2026, the court directed the NTA to respond within four days. The NTA’s advocate stated a committee was already formed to address History subject issues.
The NTA’s counsel argued one issue did not require committee review due to visibly similar answer options. The petitioner was just two marks short of the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) qualification. The judge awarded the petitioner two marks, dismissing their individual case.
Broader Review Ordered
On the same day, the NTA received a directive to consider intervention applications from other students within four weeks. These applications will be treated as formal representations. The court order mandates the NTA to constitute an expert committee.
This committee will evaluate objections raised by candidates. It will also hear applicants and issue decisions promptly. The deadline for this process is four weeks from February 19, 2026.
NTA Notifies Students
The NTA reportedly informed students via email on February 21, 2026. The notification concerns the formation of a subject expert committee. This committee will re-examine issues related to the UGC NET History paper.
| Action | Deadline | Date Issued |
|---|---|---|
| NTA to form expert committee | 4 weeks | February 19, 2026 |
| Committee to evaluate objections | Within 4 weeks of Feb 19, 2026 | N/A |