NEW DELHI – The National Testing Agency (NTA) has initiated a significant overhaul of its security protocols, floating a nearly ₹7.5 crore tender to appoint a specialized agency for round-the-clock security at its headquarters, regional offices, and other sensitive locations.
This decisive action comes in the wake of the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, which severely undermined public confidence in the examination system. The tender, issued on July 25, seeks to implement advanced security measures, including biometric attendance systems and GPS-based guard patrol tracking, alongside traditional security checks like metal detectors.
Comprehensive Security Measures Planned
The selected agency will be tasked with safeguarding critical assets, including confidential examination materials, server rooms, strong rooms, warehouses, and record rooms. Access control will be a paramount responsibility, involving identity verification for all personnel and visitors, strict entry restrictions, and meticulous record-keeping.
The contract is set for an initial two-year term, with potential extensions based on performance. Interested agencies have until August 17 to submit their bids, with technical evaluations commencing the same day.
Quality Over Cost: A New Procurement Approach
In a notable departure from conventional government procurement, the NTA has adopted the Quality-and-Cost Based Selection (QCBS) method. This approach prioritizes technical capability, allocating 70% of the final score to technical proposals and 30% to commercial bids. Agencies failing to achieve at least 70% in the technical assessment will not proceed to financial evaluation, underscoring the NTA's commitment to robust security expertise.
To qualify, bidders must demonstrate at least five years of experience in the security sector, an average annual turnover of ₹10 crore over the past three financial years, and prior experience with central government institutions or other high-security establishments like examination bodies, universities, or airports.
Addressing the NEET-UG Controversy
The NEET-UG 2026 examination, conducted on May 3, was canceled after allegations of a paper leak surfaced. A re-test was subsequently held on June 21. Investigations concluded that the leak was orchestrated by teachers involved in setting the paper, with no government or NTA officials found culpable.
Beyond physical security, the NTA has also issued separate tenders for high-security printing services and housekeeping, reflecting a holistic strategy to tighten safeguards across every stage of the examination process. This multi-pronged approach aims to reinforce the integrity of high-stakes examinations and restore public trust in the National Testing Agency.