NTA ramps up security after NEET row, floats ₹7.5 crore tender to secure exam papers

Following the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, the NTA has launched a comprehensive overhaul of its operations with fresh tenders for security, housekeeping and secure printing, alongside stricter standards for agencies handling sensitive examination infrastructure.NEET paper leak row: NTA floats Rs 7.5 crore tender for 24x7 security of exam papers, officesIn a major step to tighten the security of its examination ecosystem following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has floated a Rs 7.5 crore tender to hire a professional agency for round-the-clock security at its headquarters, regional offices and other critical facilities. Simultaneously, the agency has also invited bids for housekeeping and high-security printing services, signalling a wider overhaul of its operations after one of the biggest crises in its history.The security tender, issued on July 25, seeks comprehensive security services for NTA's headquarters on Delhi's Minto Road, regional offices in Okhla and other notified locations, as reported by Hindustan Times. The selected agency will be responsible for safeguarding personnel, visitors, confidential examination materials, server rooms, strong rooms, warehouses, record rooms and other sensitive infrastructure housing examination records.The contract will initially be valid for two years, with the option to extend it twice by one year each, subject to satisfactory performance. Bids can be submitted until 3 pm on August 17, and the technical bids will be opened later that day.NTA ANNOUNCES MULTIPLE TENDERSHighlighting the broader procurement exercise, NTA also announced on its official social media handles that it has floated separate tenders for housekeeping services, security services and examination-grade printing services through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). According to the announcement, the security and housekeeping tenders for its Delhi office close on August 17, while the printing services tender has a bid submission deadline of August 20.QUALITY TAKES PRIORITYUnlike conventional government procurement based solely on the lowest financial bid, NTA has opted for a Quality-and-Cost Based Selection (QCBS) model, saying the sensitive nature of its examination ecosystem requires quality to take precedence. Technical quality will account for 70% of the evaluation, while financial bids will carry 30% weightage. Only agencies scoring at least 70 out of 100 in the technical evaluation will qualify for the financial round.Eligible bidders must have at least five years' experience in professional security services, an average annual turnover of Rs 10 crore over the past three financial years and prior experience securing central government organisations, examination agencies, universities, airports, hospitals, metro systems or other high-security establishments.The estimated contract value is Rs 7.5 crore, excluding GST. Bidders will also have to furnish an earnest money deposit of Rs 15 lakh and performance security equivalent to 5% of the contract value.ENHANCED SECURITY WITH TECH-LED MONITORINGThe selected agency will regulate entry and exit, ensure only authorised persons access restricted areas, maintain visitor records and deploy hand-held and door-frame metal detectors at key locations.Security personnel will also be tasked with protecting examination material, IT infrastructure, server rooms and storage facilities. The RFP additionally requires agencies to deploy technology such as GPS-enabled patrol monitoring, biometric attendance systems and digital incident-reporting mechanisms.The document makes it clear that the service provider and its personnel must maintain strict confidentiality regarding examination materials, IT systems and security arrangements, with the confidentiality obligation continuing even after the contract ends.AFTER THE NEET-UG PAPER LEAKThe procurement exercise follows the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, which forced NTA to cancel the examination held on May 3 after receiving an email alleging that a circulated guess paper matched portions of the actual question paper.The exam was scrapped on May 12, and a re-test was subsequently conducted on June 21.Investigators later concluded that the paper leak had been orchestrated by teachers involved in setting the examination and found no involvement of any government official or NTA functionary.The simultaneous rollout of tenders for security, housekeeping and high-security printing underlines NTA's efforts to strengthen every stage of the examination process, from secure printing and physical infrastructure to round-the-clock surveillance.By prioritising technical capability over the lowest bid and tightening safeguards around confidential examination material, the agency is attempting to restore credibility and public confidence in the country's high-stakes entrance examinations after the NEET-UG controversy.- EndsPublished By: Apoorva AnandPublished On: Aug 2, 2026 11:02 IST