Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Sunday the creation of a high-powered task force headed by technology expert Nandan Nilekani. This group is tasked with developing recommendations aimed at enhancing the reliability, transparency, and technological aspects of the examination system in India.
In a video address to students, Prime Minister Modi stated that the government has already taken several steps to secure the future of learners. These measures include combating exam malpractice, establishing fast-track courts, and introducing stricter legal provisions through new legislation.
Modi emphasized that the government is continuously taking various measures for the future of students. He noted that those who interfered with students' futures are in jail, and fast-track courts have been established. Furthermore, work is underway to pass new legislation in Parliament that will contain stringent legal norms.
However, according to the Prime Minister, the focus must be on the future. He stated that the examination system needs reliability and transparency, and it must maximize the use of technology. Given these factors, the decision was made to form a high-powered task force under the leadership of world-renowned technology expert Nandan Nilekani.
This task force will concentrate on exam reforms, and based on its report, steps will be taken to ensure the authenticity of upcoming tests in the shortest possible time. This announcement came amid the Central Government's efforts to strengthen the examination process following recent scandals related to irregularities in competitive exams.
Additionally, the government proposed amendments to the Public Examinations Act (Prevention of Unfair Means), providing for timely investigations, expedited judicial processes, and increased penalties for material leaks and organized cheating in exams. The task force led by Nandan Nilekani should study the application of technology and propose systemic changes to enhance the transparency, authenticity, and efficiency of conducting public examinations across the country.
In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of a high-level task force on exam reforms, the Congress party labeled the initiative as a 'high-profile attempt' by the Prime Minister to 'restore' his 'irreparably tarnished image.'
Congress parliamentarian Jairam Ramesh wrote on social media platform X that in June 2024, following irregularities in several exams, including NEET-UG, the Modi government formed a high-level committee chaired by former ISRO chairman Dr. K. Radhakrishnan to ensure the 'transparent, unimpeded, and fair conduct of examinations.' However, according to Ramesh, the government has not completed the implementation of the 101 recommendations made by the Radhakrishnan committee.
Ramesh continued that for almost two years, between 2024 and 2026, not even a permanent CEO of the National Testing Agency (NTA) had been appointed. He concluded that all this activity is merely an attempt to restore the Prime Minister's reputation.
Modi's announcement came amid calls for exam reforms triggered by the NEET (UG) question paper leak scandal, which affected over 22 lakh candidates. On Saturday, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) concluded its indefinite sit-in strike at Jantral Mantar in Delhi, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and broader educational reforms.
The CJP strike ended shortly after Pradhan resigned, as student protests intensified in Delhi and other parts of the country. Union Minister Palad Joshi was tasked with additional charge of the Ministry of Education.
Besides Nilakani, who co-founded the IT giant Infosys, other members of the high-level task force include former ISRO chairman S. Somnath, former Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapana Deku, IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, former Secretary of Education Anita Karwal, and logistics expert Amrita Lal Mina. The Prime Minister stated that the government would implement the recommendations of this task force to create a 'flawless examination system.' Modi added that the panel will help update NTA exams, focusing particularly on structural reforms and technology-based improvements.
The center has formed a high-level task force to develop comprehensive recommendations for reforming the examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The main focus of the reforms will be on strengthening technologies, improving logistics, and implementing structural changes in the examination system.
This interdisciplinary commission will be headed by technology expert Nandan Nilekani. The group includes specialists from the fields of education, science, security, and administration. Other participants include former ISRO chairman S. Somnath, former director of the intelligence bureau Tapan Deka, IIT Madras director V. Kamakoti, former Secretary of Education Anita Karwal, and logistics specialist Amrit Lal Mina.
The working group has been mandated to study methods for increasing the transparency, security, and technological sophistication of NTA exams. Its task is to propose reforms that will improve the overall examination process, enhance cybersecurity, raise the quality of logistical planning, and restore public trust in competitive tests.
The creation of this commission is part of the Center's broader efforts to review the entire examination system following disputes regarding alleged material leaks and irregularities in test administration. It is expected that the recommendations of this group will form the basis for future transformations in the organization of national entrance examinations.
