After NEET Paper Leak Row, NTA Floats Rs 7.5 Crore Tender for 24x7 Security of Exam Papers and Offices

In a significant move to strengthen India's examination security framework after the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has floated a Rs 7.5 crore tender for providing 24x7 security services across its headquarters, regional offices and other high-security locations.

The initiative forms part of a wider overhaul of the agency's examination infrastructure aimed at restoring public confidence in the conduct of national-level entrance examinations.

Rs 7.5 Crore Contract for Round-the-Clock Security

According to the tender issued on July 25, the selected agency will be responsible for providing comprehensive security services at:

• NTA Headquarters, Minto Road, New Delhi
• Okhla Regional Office
• Other notified NTA locations

The security personnel will safeguard:

• Confidential examination papers
• Strong rooms
• Server rooms
• Warehouses
• Record rooms
• Digital infrastructure
• Staff and visitors

The contract has an initial tenure of two years, with provisions for two one-year extensions based on performance.

Interested agencies can submit bids until August 17, while technical bids will be opened the same day.

NTA Also Invites Tenders for Housekeeping and Secure Printing

Apart from security services, the NTA has invited bids for:

• Housekeeping services
• Examination-grade secure printing services

According to the agency, the security and housekeeping tenders close on August 17, while the secure printing tender will remain open until August 20.

These procurements are part of a broader strategy to strengthen every stage of the examination process—from printing and storage to transportation and surveillance.

Quality Given More Importance Than Lowest Price

Unlike the traditional lowest-bid government procurement model, the NTA has adopted the Quality-and-Cost Based Selection (QCBS) method.

Under this evaluation system:

• 70% weightage will be given to technical capability.
• 30% weightage will be based on the financial bid.

Only agencies scoring at least 70 marks in the technical evaluation will qualify for financial assessment.

The move reflects the agency's emphasis on selecting experienced and technologically capable security providers rather than simply choosing the lowest bidder.

Strict Eligibility Criteria for Security Agencies

To qualify, applicants must meet several conditions, including:

• Minimum five years of experience in security services.
• Average annual turnover of at least Rs 10 crore over the previous three financial years.
• Experience providing security to:
  • Central government institutions
  • Examination authorities
  • Universities
  • Airports
  • Hospitals
  • Metro networks
  • Other high-security establishments

Selected agencies must also submit:

• Rs 15 lakh Earnest Money Deposit (EMD)
• Performance security worth 5% of the contract value

Technology-Driven Monitoring System

The tender mandates deployment of modern surveillance and monitoring systems, including:

• GPS-enabled guard patrol tracking
• Biometric attendance systems
• Digital incident reporting
• Door-frame metal detectors
• Hand-held metal detectors
• Visitor identity verification
• Controlled access to sensitive areas

The selected agency will also maintain detailed visitor records and monitor access to confidential examination infrastructure.

Confidentiality Clause Remains Central

Given the sensitive nature of national examinations, the tender places strong emphasis on confidentiality.

The selected security agency and its personnel will be legally bound to protect all information related to:

• Examination processes
• Security protocols
• IT systems
• Confidential documents
• Examination material

These confidentiality obligations will continue even after the contract concludes.

Security Overhaul After NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak

The latest reforms come in the wake of the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, one of the biggest crises faced by the National Testing Agency.

The controversy led to:

• Cancellation of the May 3 examination.
• A nationwide re-examination on June 21.
• Passage of the Anti-Paper Leak Bill by Parliament.
• Calls for major reforms in examination administration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had described the legislation as a landmark step towards eliminating examination paper leak rackets and ensuring strict punishment for offenders.

NTA Aims to Rebuild Public Trust

With new tenders covering:

• Security
• Housekeeping
• Secure printing
• Surveillance
• Digital monitoring

the National Testing Agency is attempting to reinforce every layer of its examination ecosystem.

Officials believe these measures will improve operational security and help restore confidence among millions of students appearing for high-stakes entrance examinations every year.

Key Highlights

• NTA issues Rs 7.5 crore security tender after NEET paper leak.
• 24x7 security to be deployed at headquarters, regional offices and sensitive locations.
• Separate tenders floated for housekeeping and secure printing.
• QCBS procurement model gives 70% weightage to technical quality.
• Agencies must have five years' experience and Rs 10 crore annual turnover.
• Technology-based monitoring including GPS tracking and biometric attendance made mandatory.
• Security personnel to safeguard confidential examination papers, server rooms and strong rooms.
• Reforms follow the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and the Anti-Paper Leak Bill.

FAQs

Why has the NTA floated a Rs 7.5 crore security tender?

The tender is part of a comprehensive security overhaul following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy to strengthen examination security and prevent future breaches.

What locations will receive security services?

Security will be provided at the NTA headquarters, regional offices and other notified high-security locations handling confidential examination material.

What is the QCBS selection method?

Quality-and-Cost Based Selection (QCBS) evaluates bidders based on both technical capability (70%) and financial bid (30%), ensuring quality receives greater importance.

What technologies will be used?

The security system will include GPS patrol tracking, biometric attendance, digital reporting systems and metal detectors for enhanced monitoring.

When do bid submissions close?

Security and housekeeping bids close on August 17, while the secure printing tender closes on August 20.