India govt forms taskforce on exam reforms following student protests

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the constitution of a “high-powered” task force to recommend reforms aimed at making the country’s examination system more reliable, transparent and technology-driven.

The taskforce will be led by technology expert and Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, Modi said in his official “X” account, addressing student protesters who are demanding an end to question leaks in competitive exams.

Modi’s announcement came a day after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was forced to resign amid growing student protests. Notably, concerns have been growing over examination integrity following a series of paper leak controversies, leading to the student protests which has pushed the government into action.

PM Modi emphasised that India's examination system must become more trustworthy and transparent while making greater use of modern technology to prevent malpractice.

In a video message addressed to students, the PM Modi said the government had already taken several steps to safeguard the future of students, including action against those involved in examination malpractice, the establishment of fast-track courts and the introduction of tougher legal provisions through new legislation.

"The Government of India is continuously taking various measures for the future of students.

“Those who tampered with the students' future are languishing in jail. We have already established fast-track courts. We are also moving towards enacting new legislation in Parliament that incorporates stringent legal provisions. However, we must look to the future. Our examination system needs to be reliable and transparent, and it must make maximum use of technology. Keeping all these factors in mind, we have decided to constitute a high-powered task force under the leadership of the world-renowned technology expert Nandan Nilekani.

“This task force will focus on examination reforms, and based on its report, steps will be taken to ensure the credibility of upcoming examinations at the earliest," PM Modi said.

The government has also proposed amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, providing for time-bound investigations, fast-track trials and enhanced penalties for paper leaks and organised examination fraud.

Other members of the taskforce

Apart from Nandan Nilekani, the task force will include experts from technology, education, security and public administration:

* Former Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S Somanath

* Former Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka

* Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras Director V Kamakoti

* Former Education Secretary Anita Karwal

* Logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena

According to the Prime Minister, the panel will recommend both structural and technological reforms to improve the conduct of examinations across the country.

Nilekani's experience

Nandan Nilekani is widely recognised for leading several large-scale digital public infrastructure initiatives in India. As the founding Chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), he oversaw the implementation of the Aadhaar programme.

He is also a co-founder of the eGov Foundation, which develops technology platforms for urban governance, and the EkStep Foundation, which works to improve foundational literacy and numeracy through digital learning initiatives.

A graduate of IIT Bombay, Nilekani has been honoured with the Padma Bhushan and the Joseph Schumpeter Prizefor his contributions to technology, innovation and public service.

Focus on restoring confidence

The government expects the task force's recommendations to strengthen the credibility of India's examination system by introducing robust technological safeguards and structural reforms. Officials say the panel's report will form the basis for measures aimed at ensuring future examinations are conducted fairly, securely and transparently.