Overhaul at NTA Post-Paper Leak: Security Boosted with CISF Deployment and AI Monitoring

Allegations of paper leaks and controversies surrounding the NEET-UG exam raised questions about the agency’s examination system, security protocols, and operational methods. Consequently, the NTA is implementing significant changes, ranging from its organizational structure to security arrangements.

Major changes are underway regarding the NTA’s examination system. Following the paper leak allegations and NEET-UG controversies, the agency’s systems and operations faced scrutiny. The NTA is now revamping everything from its organizational framework and staff recruitment to exam conduct and security measures. A recent affidavit filed with the Supreme Court outlines the current status of these reforms. As part of this shift, the NTA is moving away from exam-specific units toward a “functional vertical” structure. Confidential operations have been relocated to a new government complex on Minto Road, Delhi, where 39 CISF personnel are managing security. Additionally, technological measures, including AI-based monitoring, are being deployed at examination centers.

Previously, NTA staff and officials were organized into units based on specific examinations. This system is now being replaced by “functional verticals” based on the nature of work and expertise. The objective is to cultivate domain-specific expertise across the agency’s various operational areas. Changes are also being made to the NTA’s senior leadership. A proposal to upgrade the Director General’s post from the Joint Secretary level to the Additional Secretary level is currently under government consideration. Furthermore, there is a proposal to create five new posts at the Joint Secretary level.

Officers from Various Services Joining NTA

Alongside these structural changes, new officers are being appointed to the NTA. Two Joint Directors were posted to the agency in May 2026 under the Central Staffing Scheme. In August, 14 more officers joined the agency, ranging in rank from Joint Secretary to Assistant Section Officer. These officials hail from various government services, including the IAS, IPS, IRS, and the Indian Statistical Service. Additionally, domain experts are being recruited in areas such as security, HR, assessment R&D, test center management, candidate experience, information security, test security, and vigilance.

Operations at the New Minto Road Office

Work related to the NTA’s confidential exam operations has been shifted to the Government of India Press building on Minto Road, Delhi. According to official details, the agency has been allocated a total area of ​​55,524.53 square feet, spanning the fifth floor and parts of the fourth and sixth floors. Comprehensive security protocols are being devised to fortify the security of the confidential zone within this complex.

Deployment of 39 CISF Personnel

Following an order from the Ministry of Home Affairs, 39 CISF personnel have been deployed at the new complex. They are responsible for screening individuals and controlling access to the confidential zone. Checks involving X-ray baggage screening and door-frame metal detectors will be conducted at entry and exit points. In essence, access to the area handling sensitive exam-related work has been made significantly more controlled than before.

Changes in SOPs: From Question Papers to Results

The NTA has also formulated new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for various stages of the examination process. These cover the entire workflow—from the preparation, translation, printing, packing, tracking, and movement of question papers to exam center security, the opening of trunks on the day of the exam, and the compilation of results. Furthermore, measures such as Aadhaar-based biometric authentication, facial authentication, multi-layer risk assessment, mobile jammers, CCTV monitoring, and AI-based tools are being implemented. A five-tier oversight mechanism has also been established to monitor the examination process.