PM Modi announces Nandan Nilekani-led task force to overhaul India's examination system

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 26 announced the constitution of a high-powered task force, headed by Infosys co-founder and Aadhaar architect Nandan Nilekani, to recommend comprehensive reforms to India's examination system in the wake of nationwide concerns over examination irregularities and paper leaks.

The announcement comes a day after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid sustained protests over alleged examination paper leaks.

While announcing the initiative, the Prime Minister said the new examination framework must be "trustworthy, transparent and technology-driven" and indicated that the government would also introduce legislation to strengthen penalties against paper leaks and examination malpractice.

According to the government, the task force will be led by Nandan Nilekani and will comprise experts from technology, education, science, security and public administration.

Besides Nilekani, the panel includes former ISRO Chairman S. Somnath, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras Director V. Kamakoti, former Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, former Higher Education Secretary K. Sanjay Murthy and National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General Abhishek Singh.

The panel has been tasked with recommending structural, administrative and technological reforms to strengthen the credibility of examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency. Its mandate includes improving examination security, enhancing technological integration, streamlining logistics and addressing systemic vulnerabilities that have led to repeated allegations of malpractice.

The government said the committee will examine ways to build a more resilient examination ecosystem by leveraging digital infrastructure and advanced technologies while ensuring greater transparency, fairness and operational efficiency in the conduct of high-stakes entrance examinations.

The announcement follows weeks of nationwide protests by students demanding accountability over alleged paper leaks and examination irregularities. The controversy culminated in Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation on July 25, after which Pralhad Joshi was assigned additional charge of the Ministry of Education.

The formation of the task force marks the government's latest effort to restore public confidence in the country's examination system. The panel is expected to submit recommendations on creating a secure, technology-enabled and transparent framework for conducting national-level examinations.