The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a ₹7.5 crore tender to enhance security at its offices. This initiative follows recent exam paper leak controversies and aims to strengthen the safety of sensitive examination materials and digital infrastructure through advanced surveillance and strict access controls.
The National Testing Agency (NTA), the body responsible for conducting major entrance exams in India, has officially moved to upgrade its security infrastructure. The agency has invited bids for a contract estimated at ₹7.5 crore to manage security services at its Minto Road headquarters and Okhla regional office. This procurement comes as a direct effort to address concerns regarding the integrity of the examination process, particularly after the high-profile paper leak issues associated with the NEET examination previously impacted public trust.
Comprehensive Security Scope
The tender covers more than standard watch-and-ward duties. The selected security agency will be responsible for protecting highly sensitive areas including server rooms, strong rooms, warehouses, and record storage facilities. The scope of work also extends to monitoring the movement of confidential examination materials, managing visitor access, and ensuring that only authorized personnel enter restricted zones. Beyond physical guarding, the agency will oversee housekeeping and administrative support services to maintain a secure environment across these critical locations.
Tech-Integrated Monitoring
To modernize its defense against potential breaches, the NTA is mandating the use of advanced surveillance technology. The security setup will include biometric attendance systems for staff, door-frame and hand-held metal detectors, and GPS-enabled tracking for guard patrols. A digital incident-reporting system is also part of the requirements, intended to provide real-time updates and enable faster response times if security lapses occur. These measures aim to create a multi-layered security net covering both physical and digital assets.
Selection and Bidder Criteria
The NTA has adopted a quality-and-cost-based selection (QCBS) method for this contract, signaling a preference for technical expertise over the lowest price. In this evaluation model, technical capability accounts for 70% of the scoring, while the financial bid carries a 30% weightage. This approach is intended to ensure that the hired firm has the experience necessary to handle high-security government operations.
To qualify, bidders must have a minimum of five years of experience in the professional security sector. Additionally, companies are required to have an average annual turnover of at least ₹10 crore over the last three financial years. A history of providing services to high-security establishments, such as airports or other examination bodies, is a mandatory requirement. Successful bidders will need to provide an earnest money deposit of ₹15 lakh, and the final contract will require a performance security deposit equal to 5% of the total value. The primary monitorable for stakeholders will be the successful deployment of these systems and whether they effectively prevent future breaches in the examination chain.