WATCH:
The task force will be chaired by Infosys co-founder and Aadhaar architect Nandan Nilekani. It has been entrusted with reviewing the existing examination framework and proposing structural reforms to make the system more secure, transparent, technology-driven, and resistant to malpractice.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of the nationwide uproar over the NEET-UG paper leak and other examination irregularities, which have triggered widespread student protests and renewed demands for accountability and systemic reforms.
According to the Prime Minister, the panel will examine every stage of the examination process—from question paper preparation and secure distribution to evaluation and result declaration. It will recommend measures to enhance digital security, strengthen institutional oversight, improve governance mechanisms, and leverage advanced technology to eliminate the possibility of paper leaks and organised examination fraud.
The government believes that Nilekani's experience in leading large-scale digital public infrastructure projects, including Aadhaar, will be instrumental in designing a robust, technology-enabled examination ecosystem capable of ensuring transparency and public trust.
The formation of the task force follows a series of measures announced by the Centre to combat examination malpractice, including proposals to strengthen the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, introduce stricter penalties for offenders, and establish fast-track courts for the speedy trial of paper leak cases.
The task force is expected to submit its recommendations after consulting experts, educational institutions, examination agencies, and other stakeholders. The government has indicated that the recommendations will form the basis for long-term reforms to safeguard the credibility of India's examination system and ensure a fair and transparent process for millions of students.
The announcement marks one of the Centre's most significant policy interventions in the education sector amid mounting public concern over recurring examination irregularities and growing demands for comprehensive reforms.