NEW DELHI, July 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the formation of a high-powered task force headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to recommend comprehensive reforms for examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The initiative is aimed at strengthening the credibility, transparency and efficiency of India’s national entrance examination system through advanced technology and institutional reforms.
In a video message shared on his Instagram account, the Prime Minister said the newly constituted panel will examine ways to build a robust, technology-driven examination framework capable of preventing irregularities while ensuring fairness for millions of students.
The task force has been entrusted with the responsibility of suggesting measures for the extensive use of modern technology in every stage of the examination process, including question paper preparation, secure delivery, monitoring and evaluation. The recommendations are also expected to focus on long-term structural improvements that will enhance the integrity and reliability of competitive examinations.
The multidisciplinary committee comprises experts from diverse fields, bringing together experience in technology, education, science, administration and security. Apart from Nandan Nilekani, the members include 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.
According to the Prime Minister, the Centre will carefully examine the recommendations submitted by the panel and implement suitable measures to establish a foolproof examination system capable of meeting future challenges.
The announcement comes amid growing calls for reforms in the examination process and follows significant political developments in the education sector. A day earlier, a 36-day protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) concluded after the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as the Union Education Minister.
Emphasising the government’s commitment to restoring public confidence in competitive examinations, Modi stated that the task force would play a crucial role in modernising the functioning of the National Testing Agency. The proposed reforms will focus not only on technological advancements but also on strengthening institutional mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability and efficiency.
The government believes that integrating cutting-edge digital solutions with administrative reforms will significantly reduce the scope for examination-related irregularities while improving the overall experience for candidates. The panel is expected to study global best practices and recommend measures that can make India’s examination ecosystem more secure and resilient.
Education experts have welcomed the move, noting that a comprehensive review of the NTA’s examination framework is essential to safeguard the interests of students and maintain the credibility of national-level entrance tests. The recommendations of the committee are expected to shape the future roadmap for examination reforms across the country.
Once submitted, the report of the task force will serve as the basis for a wide-ranging overhaul of the NTA’s examination system, with the objective of delivering a transparent, technology-enabled and student-centric testing process.