NTA strengthens security and restructures exam operations at New Delhi office

The National Testing Agency has shifted key operations to a larger facility in central Delhi and introduced changes in its staffing, security and examination procedures as part of an ongoing overhaul following scrutiny of its exam-conduct systems.

NTA moves operations to Minto Road

The agency has moved its operations from its earlier Okhla location to the Government of India Press Building on Minto Road in New Delhi. The new premises cover up to 55,524.53 square feet across the fifth floor and parts of the fourth and sixth floors.

The confidential operations area has received additional security arrangements, with 39 Central Industrial Security Force personnel deployed at the building following an order from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Security measures include access control, X-ray baggage screening and metal-detector checks at entry and exit points of the confidential area.

The move is part of a broader effort to strengthen NTA's systems after concerns over examination security, including the 2024 NEET-UG controversy and other paper-leak allegations, led to scrutiny of the agency's examination processes.

New organisational structure and senior officers

The NTA is also changing how its workforce is organised. Instead of assigning personnel through exam-specific verticals, the agency is moving towards functional verticals based on areas of expertise.

The government is considering upgrading the Director General's post from Joint Secretary level to Additional Secretary level. A proposal for five new Joint Secretary-level positions is also under consideration.

Two Joint Directors joined the agency under the Central Staffing Scheme in May 2026. In August, 14 officers from different government services, including the IAS, IPS, Indian Revenue Service and Indian Statistical Service, joined the NTA.

New procedures for question papers and exams

The agency has also developed a set of Standard Operating Procedures covering different stages of the examination cycle. These include question-paper preparation and translation, printing, packing and movement of papers, as well as examination-centre procedures and result preparation.

Other measures listed in the agency's affidavit include Aadhaar-based biometric authentication, facial authentication, multi-layer frisking, CCTV surveillance, mobile jammers at examination centres and AI-based tools. A five-tier monitoring system has also been outlined for examination oversight.

NTA's current tender listings also show procurement activity related to computer-based testing, security services, CCTV, frisking and monitoring for its examinations.

NEET-UG computer-based exam decision still pending

One major issue has not yet been finalised: whether NEET-UG should move from its existing pen-and-paper format to computer-based testing.

A High-Powered Task Force is examining the proposal, including how a transition could be implemented and what infrastructure would be required. The assessment also includes concerns about access and equity for candidates in rural and low-connectivity areas and for women candidates.

The Supreme Court is separately monitoring the progress of NTA reforms. A two-judge bench has indicated that it may visit the agency's new office to assess its infrastructure and manpower. The court has also sought an affidavit on the progress of reforms being examined by the high-powered task force chaired by Nandan Nilekani.

The restructuring therefore remains a work in progress, with changes to NTA's staffing, physical infrastructure, security protocols and examination procedures being implemented while some larger decisions, including the future format of NEET-UG, are still under examination.