The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been deployed to provide security cover for the newly established headquarters of the National Testing Agency (NTA) located in Central Delhi. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance the security framework surrounding national examinations.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the Ministry of Home Affairs has sanctioned the deployment of CISF personnel to safeguard the NTA’s central offices, which will handle sensitive examination-related operations. A contingent of 39 CISF personnel has been stationed at the headquarters to oversee and monitor movements within critical and confidential areas.
The National Testing Agency recently relocated its headquarters from Okhla in South Delhi to the Government Printing Press premises on Minto Road in Central Delhi. This relocation, which took place earlier this month, follows significant scrutiny of the agency’s examination procedures, particularly in the wake of the NEET-UG paper leak incident.
Following the paper leak, the NTA has been undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of its examination and security systems. In August, Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi chaired a review meeting where the agency was specifically directed to move to new, more secure premises and to reinforce security arrangements with the deployment of CISF teams.
In addition to bolstering physical security, the NTA is also implementing several strategic measures to improve examination integrity. The agency plans to recruit domain specialists from the private sector, with expertise in areas such as cybersecurity and question paper design. Furthermore, a robust four-tier system for checking question papers is being introduced to enhance scrutiny and minimize the possibility of errors or leaks.
Earlier this year, the NTA had initiated a tender process for comprehensive security services. A tender valued at Rs 7.5 crore was floated for round-the-clock security at its headquarters and regional offices. The scope of the tender included safeguarding NTA personnel, visitors, assets, premises, records, confidential examination materials, server rooms, strong rooms, and other critical infrastructure.
The agency has also actively sought experienced professionals to strengthen its command centre, which is responsible for the security of high-stakes examinations. Applications were invited from veterans of intelligence and law enforcement agencies, the armed forces, and professionals with proven experience in securing critical infrastructure.
Concurrently, the Centre’s High-Powered Task Force (HPTF) on examination reforms, headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, is undertaking a thorough review of the NTA’s operational framework. This task force is expected to provide recommendations for the integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, to make examinations more secure and leak-proof. The HPTF is anticipated to submit its findings and recommendations by October.
The NTA is also in the process of expanding its workforce, with plans to induct 20-25 new officials in the coming weeks. This expansion aims to strengthen the agency’s capacity to manage and secure the increasingly complex landscape of national examinations.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
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