PM Modi Announces Nandan Nilekani-Led Task Force on Exam Reforms

The Central Government has announced a comprehensive review of India’s examination system by setting up a high-powered reform task force headed by technology leader and Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani. The initiative aims to improve the security, transparency, and reliability of competitive examinations following concerns over paper leaks and other irregularities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of the committee through a video message, stating that strengthening the examination framework is essential to protect the future of students and rebuild public confidence. He said strict action has already been taken against individuals involved in compromising exam integrity, with several accused facing legal proceedings.

Government Plans Technology-Driven Examination Reforms

The Prime Minister emphasized that India needs an examination system that is transparent, dependable, and capable of meeting the challenges of the digital era. He said the newly formed panel will conduct a detailed assessment of existing examination procedures and submit recommendations for improving the overall process.

The government is expected to consider the committee’s suggestions while introducing reforms aimed at preventing paper leaks, reducing administrative failures, and ensuring a fair environment for students appearing in major entrance and recruitment examinations.

Six-Member Committee Includes Technology, Education and Security Experts

The task force brings together specialists from technology, education, cybersecurity, administration, and national security fields.

The committee will be chaired by Nandan Nilekani, who has played a significant role in India’s technology ecosystem and digital infrastructure development. Other members include former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, former Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, former Education Secretary Anita Karwal, and management and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena.

The diverse composition of the panel is intended to provide expertise across multiple areas involved in conducting large-scale examinations.

Panel to Examine Security, Cyber Risks and Exam Management

The committee has been assigned the responsibility of reviewing several critical aspects of the examination process, including question paper protection, digital systems, cybersecurity safeguards, examination centre management, and operational procedures.

Officials said the panel will focus on developing long-term solutions to prevent malpractice and strengthen trust in examinations conducted by government agencies and educational institutions.

The recommendations are expected to address challenges arising from increasing digitization, including data security risks, technology failures, and vulnerabilities in examination management systems.

Nandan Nilekani’s Role in India’s Digital Transformation

Nandan Nilekani is among India’s most prominent technology entrepreneurs. He co-founded Infosys in 1981 along with N. R. Narayana Murthy and other partners, helping establish the company as one of the country’s leading information technology firms.

He later served as Infosys CEO and Managing Director before taking charge as the first Chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) in 2009. During his tenure, he played a key role in the development of the Aadhaar digital identity programme, which became a major component of India’s digital public infrastructure.

Experts Welcome Focus on Examination Integrity

Education and technology experts have highlighted the importance of combining advanced technology with stronger administrative practices to protect examination systems. They believe effective implementation of the task force’s recommendations could improve fairness, accountability, and confidence among students and parents.

With millions of candidates appearing every year for competitive and government examinations, the government’s latest move is being viewed as a significant step toward creating a more secure and transparent assessment framework.