📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / RamkumarKadambanallur
Jobs & Career
AP Cadre IAS Officer Prasanna Venkatesh Named Director of National Testing Agency
✍️ Deccan Chronicle
🗓 28 Aug 2026, 04:33 PM
👁 3
The Union government has appointed Andhra Pradesh cadre IAS officer Prasanna Venkatesh as the new director of the National Testing Agency, Deccan Chronicle reports.
The Ministry of Education announced that Prasanna Venkatesh, an Indian Administrative Service officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, will take charge as director of the National Testing Agency (NTA). The appointment, reported by the Deccan Chronicle, is effective immediately and comes as the agency prepares for upcoming entrance examinations across the country.
Venkatesh brings over two decades of administrative experience, having served in key positions in state and central government departments. His previous assignments include senior roles in the Andhra Pradesh government’s finance and education divisions, where he oversaw policy implementation and institutional reforms.
The NTA, which conducts major competitive exams such as JEE Main, NEET and UGC NET, is expected to benefit from Venkatesh’s expertise in large‑scale program management. Officials said his leadership will focus on enhancing transparency, digital infrastructure and stakeholder engagement ahead of the next examination cycle.
The appointment reflects the government's continued practice of placing seasoned IAS officers in strategic roles to strengthen the governance of critical national institutions.
Venkatesh brings over two decades of administrative experience, having served in key positions in state and central government departments. His previous assignments include senior roles in the Andhra Pradesh government’s finance and education divisions, where he oversaw policy implementation and institutional reforms.
The NTA, which conducts major competitive exams such as JEE Main, NEET and UGC NET, is expected to benefit from Venkatesh’s expertise in large‑scale program management. Officials said his leadership will focus on enhancing transparency, digital infrastructure and stakeholder engagement ahead of the next examination cycle.
The appointment reflects the government's continued practice of placing seasoned IAS officers in strategic roles to strengthen the governance of critical national institutions.