Nilekani heads exam reform task force

Strengthening the credibility of public examinations has become a key priority as the government pushes for sweeping reforms.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of a high-powered task force led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to review India’s examination system.

The panel will recommend measures to improve transparency, reliability, and the use of technology in future examinations.

The announcement came a day after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister following nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.

Sharing the decision on X, Modi said the government had constituted the task force under Nilekani’s leadership to drive examination reforms.

Addressing the issue, the Prime Minister said authorities had jailed those responsible for compromising students’ futures.

Moreover, he noted that fast-track courts were already in place to handle such cases. He also said the government would introduce stronger legal provisions through new legislation in Parliament.

According to Modi, the examination system must become trustworthy and transparent while making better use of technology.

Therefore, the newly formed panel will study existing challenges and recommend long-term reforms. The government plans to implement the recommendations once the report is submitted.

The task force brings together experts from multiple fields. Besides Nilekani, members include 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.

Their combined expertise is expected to shape a more secure and efficient examination framework.

Meanwhile, the Centre will introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha.

The proposed law seeks to strengthen the existing anti-paper leak framework through stricter enforcement measures.

The Bill proposes fast-track courts in every state to handle paper leak cases. Furthermore, investigations must conclude within two months to ensure quicker justice.

It also prescribes tougher penalties for offenders. Individuals involved in paper leaks could face imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to ₹50 lakh. Additionally, organised paper leak rackets may attract penalties reaching ₹10 crore.

With both legislative action and expert recommendations underway, the government aims to restore public confidence in India’s examination system and safeguard students’ futures.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image published on February 12, 2017

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/685752