In attempts to tighten the security of its examination ecosystem, following the NEET UG paper leak, the National Testing Agency has floated a tender of approximately Rs 7.5 crores to appoint a professional agency for 24/7 security services across its headquarters, regional offices and other sensitive locations.
Taking to its social media handle on X, it has provided separate tenders for housekeeping services, security services, and examination grade printing services through government e-marketplace.
As per the announcement dated July 25th, the security and housekeeping tenders for its Delhi office close on August 17, while printing service tenders has a bid submission date deadline of August 20th.
Moving away from the conventional lowest bid procurement model followed by several government departments, the NTA has chosen the quality and cost-based selection method for the contract, emphasizing that safeguarding the country’s examination structure requires greater weight to be given to the technical capability. Under this framework, technical proposals will determine 70% of the final scores, while commercial bids will contribute only 30%. Agencies failing to secure at least 70 marks in the technical assessment will not be considered fit for evaluation.
As per the eligibility criteria, applicants must have a minimum of five years experience in the security sector, an average annual turnover of Rs10 crores in the previous three financial years, and experience for handling central government institutions or other high security establishments such as examination body. Interested bidders must furnish an earnest money deposit of Rs lakh, and if selected, provide performance service equal to 5% as a total contract value. The agency awarded the contract will then be responsible for controlling access to NTA premises by issuing identity cards to staff and visitors and restricting entry to authorized personnel and maintaining detailed visitor log. Security checks at designated point will also be included.
The tender further mandates safeguarding sensitive examination assets, including confidential papers, server rooms, digital infrastructure, and secure storage facilities. It presses on the use of modern security solutions such as GPS-based guard patrolling tracking, biometric attendance systems, and security, and digital platforms for reporting security incidents. Maintaining confidentiality will be the primary job of the selected service provider and its personnel.
By prioritizing technical capability over the lowest bid and tightening safeguards around confidential examination material, the agency is aiming to restore the credibility and the public confidence lost during the recent NEET UG paper leak controversy.