NTA Shifts to Quality-Based Security Model With ₹7.5 Crore Infrastructure Tender
Following recent examination integrity failures, the National Testing Agency is investing in a professional security overhaul across its New Delhi facilities. The agency will prioritize technical expertise over low-cost bids to safeguard sensitive exam materials and digital assets.
Key takeaways
- The ₹7.5 crore security tender covers NTA's Minto Road headquarters, Okhla regional offices, and confidential storage rooms.
- NTA is using a Quality-and-Cost-Based Selection model, weighing technical capability at 70% and financial bids at 30%.
- Bidding agencies must have a ₹10 crore average annual turnover and five years of experience in high-security environments.
- The contract runs for an initial two-year term with potential for two one-year extensions based on service quality.
- Bids must be submitted through the GeM portal by August 17, 2026, with technical evaluation occurring the same day.
Strategic Guarding of High-Risk Zones
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is intensifying its physical and digital defenses through a new ₹7.5 crore tender for comprehensive security services. Issued on July 25, 2026, the Request for Proposal mandates 24/7 protection across the agency’s critical infrastructure, including the Minto Road headquarters and Okhla regional offices. The security detail will oversee restricted zones such as strong rooms, server facilities, and warehouses housing confidential examination records. This initiative aims to maintain strict access control and visitor tracking to prevent unauthorized contact with sensitive materials.
Departure from Lowest-Bidder Procurement
In a significant shift from standard procurement practices, the NTA is utilizing a Quality-and-Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) model rather than automatically awarding the contract to the lowest bidder. To ensure high operational standards, the evaluation process assigns 70% weightage to technical competence and only 30% to the financial proposal. Agencies must score at least 70 out of 100 marks in the technical phase to remain eligible. This strategy reflects the agency's focus on operational reliability over fiscal minimization following recent controversies regarding paper leaks.
Mandatory Qualifications and Financial Terms
The NTA has established high barriers to entry for prospective firms. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience securing high-stakes environments, such as airports, metro systems, or central government ministries. Financial stability is also required, with bidders needing an average annual turnover of ₹10 crore over the last three years. Key financial requirements include:
- A ₹15 lakh earnest money deposit.
- A performance security bond representing 5% of the total contract value.
- A contract duration of two years, with the possibility of two annual extensions based on performance.
Interested parties have until 3:00 p.m. on August 17, 2026, to submit bids via the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. This security procurement is part of a broader administrative restructuring that includes new tenders for printing services, housekeeping, and specialized waste management.
Source: The Hindu — National
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