NTA Financial Overview: Revenue and Expenditure Insights

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has revealed its financial performance over the past six years, generating ₹3,512.98 crore in revenue while spending ₹3,064.77 crore on exam operations. A recent Parliamentary Committee report emphasizes the need for the NTA to utilize its surplus funds of approximately ₹448 crore to enhance the examination system's security and efficiency. With major examinations like NEET and JEE Main contributing significantly to its income, the NTA faces high operational costs. This article delves into the details of the NTA's financial landscape, highlighting the importance of strategic investments in improving examination processes.

By Ambika Singh Jun 18, 2026, 15:04 IST

NTA Financial Report Highlights

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has reported a total revenue of ₹3,512.98 crore over the last six years from various examinations. In contrast, the agency spent ₹3,064.77 crore on exam administration and operational costs during the same timeframe.

Parliamentary Committee's Findings

The NTA, which oversees significant national examinations such as NEET, JEE Main, CUET, and UGC-NET, has come under scrutiny following a report from a Parliamentary Standing Committee. The committee highlighted the agency's surplus funds, questioning the lack of swift advancements in enhancing the examination system's security and efficiency. The report emphasized the necessity for the NTA to utilize its surplus of approximately ₹448 crore—averaging around ₹74.5 crore annually—to bolster the examination framework.

The committee recommended improvements in technical infrastructure, enhanced monitoring systems, and better control over vendors involved in the examination process.

Revenue-Generating Examinations

The NTA conducts several key entrance and eligibility tests, including NEET UG, JEE Main, CUET UG, CUET PG, UGC NET, CMAT, GPAT, ICAR, CSIR-UGC NET, and NCHM JEE. Each year, lakhs of students register for these exams, contributing significantly to the agency's income through examination fees.

NEET: The Major Revenue Contributor

Among these examinations, NEET UG stands out as the largest revenue source for the NTA. In 2026, around 22.79 lakh candidates registered for this exam, with application fees set at ₹1,700 for General candidates, ₹1,600 for OBC and EWS candidates, and ₹1,000 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates. The revenue generated from NEET alone is projected to be in the hundreds of crores.

Moreover, a significant number of students also participate in JEE Main and CUET, further enhancing the agency's annual revenue. However, the costs associated with conducting these exams are substantial, covering expenses for exam center bookings, security measures, biometric attendance, CCTV monitoring, software services, question paper printing, technical management, and compensations for exam personnel and experts. As a result, a considerable portion of the NTA's income is allocated to managing these logistical challenges.