The National Testing Agency (NTA) has initiated a ₹7.5-crore security procurement exercise to strengthen protection of its offices, confidential examination material and digital infrastructure following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy. The move is aimed at reinforcing security across the examination process amid continued scrutiny over the integrity of national-level entrance tests.

The tender, issued on July 25, seeks a professional security agency to provide round-the-clock security services at the NTA headquarters on Minto Road, its regional office in Okhla, and other locations notified by the agency.

24x7 Security for Critical Infrastructure

According to the tender documents, the selected agency will be responsible for safeguarding personnel, visitors, examination material and key facilities linked to the conduct of national examinations.

The security cover will extend to:

• NTA headquarters and regional offices

• Strong rooms and warehouses

• Record rooms and confidential document storage

• Server rooms and digital infrastructure

• Examination-related assets and premises

The contract will initially be awarded for two years, with the provision to extend it by two additional one-year terms. Interested agencies can submit bids until August 17.

Part of a Larger Security Overhaul

The security contract is part of a broader procurement initiative launched by the NTA, which also includes housekeeping services and examination-grade printing facilities.

The agency is seeking to strengthen safeguards across the entire examination chain, including printing, storage, transportation, access control and protection of sensitive digital systems involved in conducting high-stakes entrance examinations.

Move Follows NEET-UG 2026 Leak

The tender comes months after the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak triggered nationwide concerns over the credibility of India's medical entrance examination system.

The controversy renewed fears that organised networks may be exploiting vulnerabilities in examination printing, storage, transportation and access to confidential question papers.

Investigations into the alleged leak are still underway.

Previous Controversies Increased Pressure

The latest developments have also revived memories of the NEET-UG 2024 controversy, when allegations of paper leaks, irregularities and unusually high scores led to nationwide protests, legal challenges and a CBI investigation.

Although the Supreme Court acknowledged that some candidates had benefited from a paper leak, it declined to order a nationwide re-examination, observing that there was no evidence of a complete systemic failure across the entire examination process.

Despite that ruling, the controversy significantly affected public confidence and increased pressure on the NTA to introduce stronger security and transparency measures.

Focus on Securing the Examination Process

By strengthening physical security, protecting confidential examination material and enhancing safeguards around digital infrastructure, the NTA aims to reduce vulnerabilities in the examination ecosystem and restore confidence in the conduct of national entrance examinations.

The proposed security upgrade is expected to play a key role in safeguarding future examinations against potential breaches.