CISF to guard NTA's new office after NEET paper leak, 39 personnel deployed

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has deployed 39 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at its new Delhi office to guard confidential examination work.

The move follows the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, which exposed security lapses at the agency’s former premises in Okhla.

The NTA has shifted sensitive operations to more than 55,000 square feet of space in the Government of India Press Building on Minto Road.

Confidential areas have been marked out, with CISF personnel posted at entry and exit points to check access, frisk visitors and screen baggage.

LAPSES IDENTIFIED IN LEAK PROBE

According to a CBI chargesheet, three subject experts accused of leaking the NEET paper were able to take notes on small slips made from sheets provided for rough work and translation.

They were not checked or frisked when entering or leaving the confidential section of the NTA’s earlier office, the agency said.

The CBI also found that the office lacked a dedicated control room to monitor live CCTV feeds, allowing the alleged activity to go unnoticed.

DIGITAL SECURITY ALSO UNDER REVIEW

The NTA is working on stricter access controls, encryption and tamper-evident storage for systems used to prepare question papers, register candidates, conduct tests and process results.

It also plans security reviews before each examination cycle and closer monitoring of biometrics, face matching and CCTV feeds on exam days.

The agency has advertised a post combining the roles of general manager and chief information security officer. The selection process is at an advanced stage, an official said. Independent cybersecurity audits are continuing.

The 2026 leak prompted student protests, the resignation of then Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a task force headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to recommend reforms.

The Supreme Court has criticised the NTA, saying it had “not learnt its lessons” after the 2024 NEET controversy.