Govt forms Nandan Nilekani-led panel to overhaul India's examination system

The proposed overhaul combines institutional reforms with stricter legal safeguards, as the Centre looks to strengthen public trust in competitive examinations following recent controversies over paper leaks and examination integrity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the formation of a high-level task force headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to recommend comprehensive reforms to India's examination system, with a focus on enhancing transparency, technological integration, and institutional credibility.

In a video message posted on social media, the Prime Minister said the Centre is committed to protecting students' interests and ensuring that public examinations are conducted in a fair and secure manner. Referring to recent actions against those involved in examination-related offences, he said individuals responsible for compromising students' futures have already been brought to justice. He also highlighted the government's efforts to establish fast-track courts and introduce stronger legal provisions to deal with examination irregularities.

According to the Prime Minister, the newly constituted panel has been asked to submit its recommendations at the earliest, following which the government will implement suitable reforms to improve the integrity of future examinations.

Expert panel to recommend structural and technological reforms

The task force has been established to review and strengthen the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts several major entrance and recruitment examinations across the country. The panel is expected to recommend both structural and technology-driven reforms aimed at improving examination processes and reducing vulnerabilities.

Apart from Nandan Nilekani, the committee comprises former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S. Somnath, former Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, former Education Secretary Anita Karwal, and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena. Drawing expertise from technology, education, administration, security, and governance, the group is expected to develop a roadmap for a more secure and transparent examination ecosystem.

The announcement comes amid heightened public scrutiny of examination practices following a series of paper leak controversies and demands for greater accountability. The panel's formation also follows the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after weeks of nationwide student protests over alleged examination irregularities.

Government plans stronger legal measures against examination fraud

Alongside institutional reforms, the Centre is preparing to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in Parliament to reinforce the legal framework governing examination-related offences.

The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen the existing 2024 law by prescribing tougher penalties for organised examination fraud, mandating time-bound investigations and trials, and facilitating the establishment of dedicated fast-track courts for speedy disposal of cases.

The government believes the proposed amendments, coupled with recommendations from the Nilekani-led task force, will help improve accountability, curb organised malpractice, and restore confidence in India's public examination system. The combined approach is expected to address both technological and administrative challenges while laying the foundation for a more robust, transparent, and credible examination framework for students across the country.