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Here is a thorough set of NTEP interview questions for your GPSC Class 1/2 Administrative preparation, with model answers:
NTEP Questions for GPSC Interview (Class 1/2 Administrative)
SECTION 1 - Conceptual / Basic Questions
Q1. What is NTEP and when was it launched?
NTEP (National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme) was launched in 2020 when the Government of India renamed the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP), which had been running since 1997. The renaming reflects India's ambition to eliminate TB by 2025 - five years ahead of the WHO's global target of 2030 under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3).
Q2. What is the full form of RNTCP and why was it renamed?
RNTCP stands for Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme. It was renamed to NTEP to shift the focus from mere "control" to actual "elimination" - signalling a more ambitious national commitment to TB eradication.
Q3. What does "eliminate TB" mean in numerical terms?
Elimination means reducing TB incidence to fewer than 1 case per 1 lakh population per year. India's NSP 2017-2025 targets a 90% reduction in TB deaths and 80% reduction in TB incidence compared to 2015 levels.
SECTION 2 - Programme Structure
Q4. Under which umbrella programme does NTEP function?
NTEP operates under the National Health Mission (NHM), with the Central TB Division (CTD) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as the nodal authority.
Q5. What are the four pillars/strategic actions of NTEP?
The NTEP follows the National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2017-2025 built on four pillars:
- Detect - early and universal case detection
- Treat - quality treatment and patient support
- Prevent - preventing new infections and transmission
- Build - strengthening systems, human resources, and accountability
Q6. What is the administrative structure of NTEP at different levels?
| Level | Responsible Unit |
|---|---|
| National | Central TB Division (CTD), MoHFW |
| State | State TB Cell, headed by State TB Officer (STO) |
| District | District TB Centre (DTC), headed by District TB Officer (DTO) |
| Sub-district | Tuberculosis Unit (TU) |
| Peripheral | Designated Microscopy Centre (DMC) / Health & Wellness Centre |
SECTION 3 - Key Schemes and Interventions
Q7. What is Nikshay Poshan Yojana?
It is a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme under which TB patients receive Rs. 500 per month for nutritional support during the entire treatment period. This addresses the link between malnutrition and TB vulnerability.
Q8. What is Nikshay?
Nikshay is the IT-based web portal and patient management system for TB in India. It is used for case notification, treatment tracking, outcome monitoring, and reporting by all public and private healthcare providers. It enables real-time surveillance of the TB programme.
Q9. What is the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA)?
Launched in September 2022 by the President of India, PMTBMBA aims to eliminate TB by 2025 through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. It introduced the concept of "Ni-kshay Mitras" - volunteers/corporates/NGOs who adopt TB patients and provide nutritional, vocational, and psychological support.
Q10. What is a Ni-kshay Mitra?
A Ni-kshay Mitra is a voluntary supporter (individual, corporate, NGO, elected representative, or institution) who adopts one or more TB patients to provide supplementary nutritional support, livelihood assistance, or educational support beyond what the government provides. During the 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, over 1 lakh new Ni-kshay Mitras joined.
Q11. What is the 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan?
It was a nationwide campaign focused on high-burden districts to actively find and treat TB cases. Key outcomes:
- 12.97 crore vulnerable individuals screened
- 7.19 lakh TB cases detected, including 2.85 lakh asymptomatic cases
- Served as a model for community-based active case finding
SECTION 4 - Diagnostics and Treatment
Q12. What is the DOTS strategy?
DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) is the WHO-recommended strategy where a health worker or trained community volunteer observes the patient taking each dose of anti-TB medication. It ensures adherence and prevents drug resistance. India has transitioned to daily dosing under the new DOTS regime.
Q13. What is drug-resistant TB? What are MDR-TB and XDR-TB?
- Drug-resistant TB (DR-TB): TB caused by M. tuberculosis strains resistant to one or more first-line drugs.
- MDR-TB: Multidrug-resistant TB - resistant to at least isoniazid (H) and rifampicin (R), the two most potent first-line drugs.
- XDR-TB: Extensively drug-resistant TB - MDR-TB plus resistance to fluoroquinolones and at least one injectable second-line drug.
Q14. What diagnostic tools are used under NTEP?
- CBNAAT/TrueNat: Cartridge-based/chip-based molecular tests for rapid TB diagnosis and rifampicin resistance detection
- Sputum smear microscopy: at DMCs
- Culture and DST (Drug Sensitivity Testing): at Intermediate Reference Laboratories (IRLs)
- Chest X-ray with AI tools: for screening and active case finding
SECTION 5 - Epidemiology and India's TB Burden
Q15. What is India's share of the global TB burden?
India accounts for approximately 26% of the global TB burden - the highest among any country. According to the WHO Global TB Report 2024, 8.2 million new TB cases were reported globally in 2023, with India contributing the largest share.
Q16. What progress has India made in TB reduction?
India achieved an 18% reduction in TB incidence from 2015 to 2023 - double the global average reduction. TB mortality also declined by 21% in the same period. These are significant achievements, though India still needs to accelerate to meet 2025 elimination targets.
Q17. Which five countries contribute 56% of the global TB burden?
India (26%), Indonesia (10%), China (6.8%), Philippines (6.8%), and Pakistan (6.3%).
SECTION 6 - Gujarat-Specific (Important for GPSC)
Q18. What is Gujarat's role in NTEP implementation?
Gujarat implements NTEP through its State TB Cell under the Directorate of Health Services, coordinating with 33 District TB Centres. Gujarat has been active in public-private mix initiatives and uses technology-based tools for Ni-kshay case notifications. The state has urban TB control programmes given the high urban population.
Q19. What is the role of the District Collector/Administrative Officer in NTEP?
Administrative officers play a key role in:
- Inter-departmental coordination (Health, Education, Labour, Social Welfare)
- Monitoring DBT of Nikshay Poshan Yojana at district level
- Mobilising Ni-kshay Mitras from industry and civil society
- Ensuring nutrition schemes reach TB patients (linkage with PDS, MGNREGS)
- Chairing district health review meetings to track NTEP performance indicators
- Addressing social determinants: slum improvement, housing, sanitation
Q20. How does NTEP link with other government schemes?
| Scheme | Linkage with NTEP |
|---|---|
| PM-JAY (Ayushman Bharat) | Free treatment coverage for TB patients |
| Nikshay Poshan Yojana | Nutritional DBT of Rs. 500/month |
| MGNREGS | Livelihood support for TB patients |
| Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana | Improved housing reduces TB transmission |
| Mid-Day Meal / ICDS | Nutritional improvement reduces vulnerability |
| National AIDS Control Programme | Co-management of TB-HIV co-infection |
SECTION 7 - Policy and Governance Questions
Q21. What is the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for TB?
The NSP 2017-2025 is India's blueprint to eliminate TB by 2025. It sets targets under the four DTPB pillars and outlines financial, human resource, and technological strategies. A revised NSP 2020-2025 was announced in June 2020 with updated targets.
Q22. What is the private sector's role in NTEP and what is PPM?
PPM (Public-Private Mix) is a key component of NTEP. Private healthcare providers treat about 50% of TB patients in India. Under PPM, private providers are mandated to notify TB cases to Nikshay, ensure standard treatment, and link patients to government benefits. Incentives are paid to private providers for notification and treatment success.
Q23. What are the key NTEP performance indicators an administrator should monitor?
- Case notification rate (CNR)
- Treatment success rate (target: >90%)
- MDR-TB detection and treatment success rates
- Nikshay Poshan Yojana DBT disbursement rate
- Ni-kshay Mitra adoption coverage
- Percentage of private sector notifications
Q24. What is Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (UDST)?
UDST means all diagnosed TB patients undergo drug sensitivity testing to detect resistance before starting treatment. This is a key policy under NTEP to ensure appropriate regimens from day one and prevent amplification of drug resistance.
Q25. What is the significance of India achieving TB elimination ahead of the global target?
India set a 2025 target vs. WHO's 2030 target to demonstrate global leadership, given India carries the highest TB burden. Eliminating TB would save millions of lives, reduce catastrophic health expenditure for poor families, boost workforce productivity, and signal the effectiveness of India's public health infrastructure - a matter of both national pride and international credibility.
Tips for the GPSC Interview
- Frame NTEP answers with the administrative lens: your role in inter-departmental coordination, DBT monitoring, convergence with other schemes, and community mobilisation.
- Quote data points confidently: 26% global burden, Rs. 500/month NPY, 2025 elimination target.
- Highlight Gujarat's specific context: urban TB burden, public-private mix, Ni-kshay Mitra mobilisation from industry (textile, diamond, chemical sectors).
- Connect NTEP to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) when asked about India's international commitments.
- Be ready to suggest what more can be done - shows initiative and analytical thinking valued in administrative roles.
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Here is the full, combined set of NTEP questions covering all three angles - Medical/Clinical, Government Scheme/Policy, and Both together - for your GPSC interview:
NTEP - Complete GPSC Interview Question Bank
Medical + Policy + Combined (All Three Angles)
PART 1 - MEDICAL / CLINICAL QUESTIONS
Q1. What is Tuberculosis (TB)? What organism causes it?
TB is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, an aerobic, acid-fast bacillus (AFB). It primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can spread to any organ - lymph nodes, spine (Pott's disease), brain (TB meningitis), kidneys, intestines (extrapulmonary TB). It spreads via airborne droplet nuclei when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
Q2. What are the classical symptoms of pulmonary TB?
- Cough for more than 2 weeks (most important symptom)
- Haemoptysis (blood in sputum)
- Evening rise of fever
- Night sweats
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Breathlessness and chest pain in advanced disease
A person with cough for 2+ weeks is called a "Presumptive TB case" under NTEP.
Q3. How is TB diagnosed under NTEP?
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Sputum Smear Microscopy | At Designated Microscopy Centres (DMC); detects AFB |
| CBNAAT (Xpert MTB/RIF) | Molecular test; detects TB + rifampicin resistance in 2 hours |
| TrueNat | Chip-based molecular test; used at peripheral levels |
| Culture & DST | Gold standard; done at Intermediate Reference Labs (IRL); takes weeks |
| Chest X-ray + AI | Screening tool; AI-assisted reading deployed in 8 states/UTs |
| FNAC / Biopsy | For extrapulmonary TB |
Q4. What is the treatment for drug-sensitive TB under NTEP?
The standard regimen is:
- Intensive Phase (2 months): HRZE - Isoniazid (H) + Rifampicin (R) + Pyrazinamide (Z) + Ethambutol (E)
- Continuation Phase (4 months): HR - Isoniazid + Rifampicin
- Total duration: 6 months for most drug-sensitive TB
- Daily dosing with Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) is used
- Treatment is provided FREE under NTEP
Q5. What is drug-resistant TB and its classification?
| Type | Definition |
|---|---|
| Mono-resistant TB | Resistant to one first-line drug |
| Poly-resistant TB | Resistant to more than one first-line drug (but not both H+R) |
| MDR-TB | Resistant to both Isoniazid (H) AND Rifampicin (R) |
| Pre-XDR TB | MDR + resistant to any fluoroquinolone |
| XDR-TB | MDR + resistant to fluoroquinolone + at least one of bedaquiline/linezolid |
MDR-TB treatment is longer (18-24 months) and uses second-line drugs including Bedaquiline, Delamanid, and Linezolid.
Q6. What is the BPaL regimen?
BPaL (Bedaquiline + Pretomanid + Linezolid) is a newer, shorter (6 months) regimen for XDR-TB and treatment-intolerant MDR-TB. It is a major advancement that reduces the treatment duration from 18-24 months to just 6 months with better outcomes.
Q7. What is TB-HIV co-infection and how is it managed?
HIV is the strongest risk factor for TB reactivation. TB is the leading cause of death in HIV-positive patients. Management principles:
- All TB patients must be tested for HIV
- All HIV patients must be screened for TB
- Both Anti-TB Treatment (ATT) and Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) are given together
- Cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (CPT) is added
- Coordination between NTEP and NACP (National AIDS Control Programme) is essential
Q8. What is Latent TB Infection (LTBI) and how is it managed?
LTBI is a state where a person is infected with M. tuberculosis but does not have active disease. They are not infectious. Under NTEP's prevention pillar:
- High-risk contacts of TB patients are screened
- LTBI is diagnosed by TST (Tuberculin Skin Test) or IGRA (Interferon-Gamma Release Assay)
- Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) - 6 months - is given to prevent progression to active TB
- 3HP regimen (Isoniazid + Rifapentine weekly x 3 months) is a newer option
Q9. What is the role of BCG vaccine in TB prevention?
BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin) is given at birth under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). It provides:
- 70-80% protection against severe childhood forms of TB (miliary TB, TB meningitis)
- Does NOT reliably prevent pulmonary TB in adults
- It is the most widely used vaccine globally
- New TB vaccines are under clinical trials
Q10. What are the side effects of anti-TB drugs?
| Drug | Key Side Effect |
|---|---|
| Isoniazid (H) | Peripheral neuropathy (prevented by Pyridoxine/Vit B6), hepatitis |
| Rifampicin (R) | Orange-red discoloration of urine/secretions, hepatitis, enzyme inducer |
| Pyrazinamide (Z) | Hepatotoxicity, hyperuricemia (gout) |
| Ethambutol (E) | Optic neuritis (visual disturbance - check vision before starting) |
| Streptomycin (S) | Ototoxicity (hearing loss), nephrotoxicity |
PART 2 - GOVERNMENT SCHEME / POLICY QUESTIONS
Q11. What is NTEP? When and why was it renamed from RNTCP?
NTEP - National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme - was renamed from RNTCP (Revised National TB Control Programme) in 2020. The name change reflects India's shift from "controlling" TB to "eliminating" it by 2025, five years ahead of WHO's global SDG target of 2030. It is funded by the Government of India and implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM).
Q12. What is the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for TB?
The NSP 2017-2025 is India's roadmap for TB elimination. It is built on four pillars:
- Detect - Universal, rapid, early case detection
- Treat - Quality treatment, patient support, addressing social determinants
- Prevent - Infection control, LTBI treatment, vaccination
- Build - Strengthening health systems, HR, governance, research
Targets under NSP: 90% reduction in TB deaths and 80% reduction in TB incidence by 2025 vs. 2015 baseline.
Q13. What is the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA)?
Launched in September 2022 by President Droupadi Murmu, this is a flagship programme for whole-of-society and whole-of-government TB elimination. Key features:
- Introduced the Ni-kshay Mitra concept
- Promotes community, corporate, and civil society participation
- Gram Panchayats compete for TB-Free certification (Bronze/Silver/Gold)
- Under the 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (launched Dec 2024): 20 crore+ people screened, 28 lakh+ TB cases detected, 9 lakh asymptomatic cases found
- 46,118 Gram Panchayats awarded TB-free certification for 2024
Q14. What is Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY)?
NPY is a DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) scheme providing Rs. 1,000 per month (updated from Rs. 500) to all notified TB patients for nutritional support throughout treatment. Key facts:
- Recognises malnutrition as a major risk factor for TB
- Transferred directly to the patient's bank account
- Covers both public and private sector TB patients
- Addresses catastrophic expenditure faced by TB-affected households
Q15. What is the Nikshay Portal?
Nikshay (Sanskrit: "Ni" = to eradicate + "Kshay" = TB disease) is India's national web-based patient management and surveillance system for TB. Functions:
- Mandatory notification of all TB cases (public and private)
- Treatment tracking and outcome monitoring
- DBT disbursement for NPY
- Ni-kshay Mitra adoption management
- Real-time data for policy decisions
- In 2024, Nikshay recorded 2.63 million TB cases
Q16. What is a Ni-kshay Mitra?
A Ni-kshay Mitra is a voluntary adopter - individual, corporate, NGO, elected representative, institution - who supports TB patients beyond government entitlements:
- Nutritional support (food baskets, meals)
- Vocational/livelihood support
- Educational support
- Psychological and social support
- Over 1 lakh Ni-kshay Mitras enrolled during the 100-Day campaign
Q17. What is Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (UDST)?
Under NTEP, all diagnosed TB patients undergo drug sensitivity testing BEFORE starting treatment. This ensures:
- Correct drug regimen from Day 1
- Prevents amplification of drug resistance
- Rapid molecular tests (CBNAAT/TrueNat) enable UDST even at peripheral levels
Q18. What is TB-Free certification of Gram Panchayats?
Under PMTBMBA, Gram Panchayats (GPs) are certified TB-free at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels based on indicators like:
- Active case finding coverage
- Treatment success rates
- Ni-kshay Mitra adoption rates
- Nutritional support coverage
- 46,118 GPs received TB-free certification for 2024
Q19. What is the Public-Private Mix (PPM) in NTEP?
About 50% of TB patients in India seek care from private providers first. PPM ensures:
- Mandatory notification of TB by all private providers on Nikshay
- Standard treatment protocols followed in private sector
- Government drugs and diagnostics available to private providers
- Incentives paid to private providers for notification and treatment success
- PPM coordinators stationed at districts manage this interface
Q20. What is the administrative structure of NTEP?
| Level | Unit | Head |
|---|---|---|
| National | Central TB Division (CTD), MoHFW | Deputy Director General (TB) |
| State | State TB Cell | State TB Officer (STO) |
| District | District TB Centre (DTC) | District TB Officer (DTO) |
| Sub-district | Tuberculosis Unit (TU) | Medical Officer-TB |
| Peripheral | Designated Microscopy Centre (DMC) / HWC | Lab Technician / CHO |
PART 3 - COMBINED MEDICAL + POLICY / ANALYTICAL QUESTIONS
Q21. India accounts for 26% of global TB burden yet has made good progress - explain this paradox.
India's absolute numbers remain high due to its 1.4 billion population, poverty, malnutrition, urban density, and late start in molecular diagnostics. However, proportionally India achieved:
- 21% reduction in TB incidence (237 to 187 per lakh, 2015-2024)
- Double the global average rate of decline
- 83% reduction in "missing" TB cases (from 15 lakh to 2.5 lakh)
- Treatment success rate of 90% (above global average of 88%)
- These gains come from NTEP's combination of clinical tools (CBNAAT, FDCs, new drug regimens) and policy tools (NPY, PMTBMBA, Nikshay, PPM).
Q22. How does malnutrition link to TB and what has NTEP done about it?
Malnutrition suppresses cell-mediated immunity, the key defence against M. tuberculosis. India has a dual burden - both TB and malnutrition among the poor. NTEP's response:
- Nikshay Poshan Yojana (Rs. 1,000/month DBT)
- Ni-kshay Mitras provide food baskets
- Linkage with PDS (Public Distribution System) for ration cards
- ICDS and Anganwadis for household nutrition improvement
- TB-free Panchayat certification incentivises community-level nutrition action
Q23. What are the challenges in achieving TB elimination by 2025?
| Challenge | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Drug resistance | 32% rise in DR-TB cases |
| Private sector gaps | Irregular treatment, no notification |
| Social determinants | Poverty, overcrowding, malnutrition |
| HIV co-infection | Accelerates TB progression |
| COVID-19 disruption | Disrupted case finding and treatment |
| Stigma | Delays healthcare seeking |
| Tribal/remote areas | Poor access to diagnostics and treatment |
| Missed cases | 2.5 lakh still undiagnosed in 2023 |
Q24. As a District Collector/Administrative Officer, how would you strengthen NTEP in your district?
This is a high-value interview question. A strong answer covers:
- Inter-departmental convergence: Health, Panchayati Raj, Education, Labour, Social Welfare, Industry
- DBT monitoring: Ensure all TB patients receive NPY payments; resolve banking bottlenecks
- Ni-kshay Mitra mobilisation: Engage industrial associations (textiles, diamonds, chemicals in Gujarat), corporates, MLAs, MPs
- TB-Free Panchayat competition: Create positive competition among GPs with recognition events
- Active case finding: Organise camps in slums, tribal areas, construction sites, prisons, and brick kilns
- PPM oversight: Ensure private providers notify cases; coordinate with IMA
- Stigma reduction: IEC campaigns through schools, panchayats, SHGs
- Data review: Chair monthly DTCS (District TB Control Society) meetings; review Nikshay data on CNR, treatment success, NPY disbursement
Q25. How does NTEP connect to India's SDG commitments?
NTEP directly addresses SDG 3.3 - "End TB epidemic by 2030." India's 2025 target is 5 years ahead of SDG timelines. TB also connects to:
- SDG 1 (No Poverty) - TB pushes families into catastrophic expenditure
- SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) - malnutrition-TB link
- SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) - TB disproportionately affects marginalised groups
- SDG 17 (Partnerships) - PPM, Ni-kshay Mitras, CSO partnerships
Q26. What is the significance of Gujarat in NTEP? (Gujarat-specific for GPSC)
- Gujarat is among the high-burden states listed in Nikshay data (alongside West Bengal, Delhi, Rajasthan)
- Urban TB burden is significant due to industrial cities (Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara) with dense migrant worker populations
- Migrant workers in diamond polishing, textile, and construction are high-risk groups
- Gujarat's industrial base is ideal for Ni-kshay Mitra mobilisation through CSR
- State TB Cell under Gujarat's Directorate of Health Services coordinates with 33 district DTCs
- Active TB screening at brick kilns and textile clusters is a Gujarat priority
Quick-Reference Data Points (Memorise These)
| Fact | Data |
|---|---|
| India's share of global TB burden | 26% |
| TB incidence rate (2015) | 237 per lakh |
| TB incidence rate (2024) | 187 per lakh |
| Reduction in incidence (2015-2024) | 21% (double global average) |
| TB deaths reduction | 28 to 22 per lakh (2015-2023) |
| Missing TB cases (2015 vs 2023) | 15 lakh → 2.5 lakh (83% reduction) |
| Treatment success rate | 90% (global avg: 88%) |
| Nikshay cases (2024) | 2.63 million |
| NPY amount | Rs. 1,000/month |
| NTEP renamed | 2020 |
| PMTBMBA launched | September 2022 |
| India's elimination target | 2025 (WHO global target: 2030) |
| TB-free GPs certified (2024) | 46,118 |
| 100-Day campaign screened | 20 crore+ |
| 100-Day campaign detected | 28 lakh+ (9 lakh asymptomatic) |
Best of luck for your GPSC interview! The key is to always answer with the administrative officer's lens - connect clinical knowledge to governance actions, scheme implementation, data monitoring, and inter-departmental coordination.
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