Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the formation of a high-powered task force to overhaul India's examination system and tackle recurring paper leaks, appointing Infosys co-founder and technology expert Nandan Nilekani as its chairman. The six-member panel comprises experts from technology, space, security, education, academia and administration to recommend structural and technology-driven reforms for public examinations.
In a video message addressed to students, the Prime Minister said the government has already introduced measures such as fast-track courts and stricter legal provisions to combat examination fraud. However, he emphasised that long-term public confidence can only be restored by strengthening the examination system itself.
NANDAN NILEKANI TO LEAD TECHNOLOGY-BASED REFORMS
Born on June 2, 1955, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, to a family originally from Sirsi, Nandan Nilekani studied at Bishop Cotton Boys' School in Bengaluru and St. Joseph's High School in Dharwad before earning a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Bombay.
The Infosys co-founder and the architect of India's Aadhaar digital identity programme will head the task force. He is expected to lead efforts to recommend advanced technological solutions that make public examinations more secure, transparent and efficient.
The panel has been tasked with exploring digital technologies to strengthen every stage of the examination process, including question paper security, candidate authentication and result processing.
S SOMNATH TO CONTRIBUTE TECHNOLOGY AND SYSTEMS EXPERTISE
Born in 1963 in Thuravoor, Kerala's Alappuzha district, S. Somnath completed his B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from T.K.M. College of Engineering, Kollam, followed by an M.Tech in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. He later earned a PhD from IIT Madras.
The former ISRO chairman joins the task force with extensive experience in leading complex scientific missions and managing large-scale technology programmes.
His expertise in systems engineering, operational reliability and technology integration is expected to support the panel's work.
TAPAN DEKA TO STRENGTHEN EXAMINATION SECURITY
Tapan Deka, born on February 25, 1963, in Sarthebari, Assam's Barpeta district, holds a Master's degree in Physics from the University of Delhi. He joined the Indian Police Service in the 1988 batch.
The former Intelligence Bureau Director brings decades of experience in intelligence and national security. He is expected to focus on strengthening safeguards against organised examination fraud, identifying security vulnerabilities and improving protective mechanisms across the examination process.
V KAMAKOTI TO PROVIDE ACADEMIC AND TECHNOLOGY INPUT
Born in Chennai in 1968, V. Kamakoti earned a B.E. in Computer Science and Engineering from Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering under the University of Madras. He later completed his M.S. (Research) and PhD in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Madras.
The IIT Madras Director will represent the academic and research community on the panel. Known for his work in computer science and emerging technologies, he is expected to contribute to technology-driven solutions as well as reforms in examination design and administration.
ANITA KARWAL TO BRING EDUCATION POLICY EXPERIENCE
A 1988-batch IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre, Anita Karwal has spent more than three decades in public administration, particularly in school education. She studied Economics at Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi, before joining the civil services.
The former Education Secretary has been included in the task force for her experience in education policy and examination governance. She is expected to help shape practical reforms that can be implemented across national examination agencies.
AMRIT LAL MEENA TO IMPROVE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY
Born in Rajasthan in 1965, Amrit Lal Meena is a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre. Over the course of his career, he has served in several senior administrative positions, including Chief Secretary of Bihar and Secretary in the Ministry of Coal.
His expertise in administration and logistics is expected to help the task force streamline examination operations and improve coordination among institutions.
PANEL TO DRIVE STRUCTURAL AND TECHNOLOGY REFORMS
According to the Prime Minister, the multidisciplinary panel will recommend measures to make India's examination system more reliable, transparent and technology-driven. Its recommendations will focus on strengthening the National Testing Agency (NTA), improving the credibility of competitive examinations and introducing structural reforms supported by modern technology.
The Centre has indicated that the panel's recommendations will shape future reforms aimed at preventing paper leaks and restoring public trust in high-stakes examinations.
The announcement comes as the government moves to further tighten laws against examination malpractice through proposed amendments that seek faster investigations, time-bound trials and stricter penalties for organised examination fraud.
