Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed Infosys cofounder Nandan Nilekani to lead a high-powered task force aimed at reforming India’s public examination system. The task force was constituted to enhance transparency, reliability, and prevent paper leaks in exams conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This announcement followed an agreement with student protestors over NEET exam irregularities and paper leaks, signaling a government push to restore credibility in public exams.
The task force, announced by Modi, will focus on using technology extensively to strengthen exam credibility. Modi emphasized the need for a reliable and transparent examination system that leverages technology. Alongside 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 government plans to implement the task force’s recommendations promptly to address current challenges in exam administration.
This move comes amid growing concerns over exam paper leaks and irregularities that have triggered protests and raised questions about the integrity of India’s public testing framework. By appointing Nilekani, a technology expert known for his role in Aadhaar, the government signals a shift towards tech-driven solutions to secure exam processes. The task force’s work could set a precedent for reforming other public systems vulnerable to fraud and inefficiency, aligning with broader digital governance goals.
Prime Minister Modi stated that steps would be taken based on the task force’s report to ensure the credibility of upcoming examinations at the earliest. The task force’s formation marks a key step in the government’s efforts to restore trust in the National Testing Agency’s exams following recent disruptions.