Our Bureau
New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the formation of a high-powered task force headed by Infosys co-founder and technology expert Nandan Nilekani to recommend sweeping reforms aimed at making India’s public examination system more transparent, reliable and technology-driven. The panel’s recommendations will form the basis for strengthening the credibility of future examinations conducted across the country.
In a video message, the Prime Minister said the government had already initiated strict action against those involved in examination malpractices, including setting up fast-track courts and preparing new legislation with tougher legal provisions to curb paper leaks. However, he stressed that long-term structural reforms were equally essential to restore students’ confidence in the examination process.
The multidisciplinary task force will focus on maximising the use of technology while recommending structural changes to improve the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Besides Nilekani, the panel includes former ISRO chairman S. Somanath, former Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, former Education Secretary Anita Karwal and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena.
The announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of the country’s examination system following recent controversies over competitive examination paper leaks, particularly the NEET-UG case, which triggered widespread protests and demands for accountability. The government has indicated that the task force’s recommendations will be implemented at the earliest to ensure a robust, secure and leak-proof examination framework.
The Centre is also expected to introduce amendments to strengthen the legal framework governing public examinations, complementing the technological and administrative reforms proposed by the expert panel. The move is aimed at rebuilding public trust and ensuring that future examinations are conducted with greater integrity, transparency and efficiency.