The National Testing Agency (NTA) has stationed 39 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at its new Delhi headquarters to secure confidential examination-related operations.
The security arrangement comes after the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak exposed shortcomings at the agency’s previous office in Okhla.
The NTA has moved sensitive operations to over 55,000 square feet of space inside the Government of India Press Building on Minto Road. Specific areas have been designated as confidential zones, with CISF personnel deployed at entry and exit points to regulate access, frisk visitors and inspect baggage.
SECURITY GAPS FOUND DURING LEAK INVESTIGATION
The CBI chargesheet stated that three subject experts accused of leaking the NEET question paper were able to make notes on small pieces of paper created from sheets supplied for rough work and translation.
According to the agency, the three individuals were neither checked nor frisked while entering or leaving the confidential section of the NTA’s former office.
The CBI investigation also revealed that the premises did not have a dedicated control room for monitoring CCTV footage in real time, meaning the alleged activities were not detected.
DIGITAL SECURITY MEASURES ALSO BEING STRENGTHENED
The NTA is also introducing tighter access restrictions, encryption measures and tamper-evident storage for systems involved in question-paper preparation, candidate registration, examination processes and result processing.
The agency plans to conduct security assessments before every examination cycle and strengthen monitoring of biometric systems, facial matching and CCTV footage during exams.
The NTA has also advertised a position combining the responsibilities of general manager and chief information security officer. An official said the recruitment process is at an advanced stage, while independent cybersecurity audits are still underway.
The 2026 paper leak led to student protests and the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. It also resulted in the formation of a task force headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to recommend reforms.
The Supreme Court has also criticised the NTA over its handling of examination security, saying the agency had “not learnt its lessons” following the 2024 NEET controversy.
