Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the creation of a high-level task force led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to recommend reforms for India's examination system.
In a video message posted on X, the Prime Minister said the Centre has been taking multiple measures to protect students' future, adding that those who "played with the future of students" are now behind bars.
He also said the government has introduced fast-track courts and is working towards bringing a new law in Parliament with stricter provisions to tackle examination-related irregularities.
Highlighting the need for long-term changes, Modi said the government is committed to making the examination system more transparent and dependable while increasing the use of technology.
The task force has been asked to focus on examination reforms and submit its recommendations at the earliest. The government, he said, will implement measures based on the panel's report to ensure the credibility of future examinations.
HIGH-LEVEL PANEL TO OVERSEE NTA REFORMS
The newly formed task force will work on reforms for examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Comprising experts from multiple fields, the panel will recommend structural changes and help modernise the examination process, with a strong emphasis on technology.
Its members include technology expert Nandan Nilekani, former 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.
PANEL ANNOUNCED AFTER PRADHAN'S RESIGNATION
The announcement came a day after Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down as Union Education Minister, following nearly seven weeks of CJP-led student and youth protests over alleged paper leaks. The demonstrations began at Jantar Mantar before spreading to different parts of the country.
The protests, which started on June 20, intensified after police action against demonstrators on July 20. They later received support from several student groups and activists, including Wangchuk, who undertook a prolonged hunger strike in solidarity with the movement.
GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE TOUGHER ANTI-CHEATING LAW
The Centre is scheduled to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on Monday, July 27, to further strengthen laws against examination fraud.
The proposed amendments seek to build on the 2024 legislation by prescribing stricter penalties, ensuring faster investigations and time-bound trials, and establishing special fast-track courts for quicker disposal of such cases.
The Bill aims to reinforce India's legal framework against examination malpractice through tougher punishments, speedier investigations, and fixed timelines for trials. The changes are intended to improve accountability, discourage organised examination fraud, and restore public confidence in the country's examination system.
