Nandan Nilekani Heads New High‑Powered Task Force on Indian Examination Reforms

New Delhi – In a move that caught many by surprise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Sunday the formation of a high‑powered task force to overhaul the country’s exam system. The committee will be chaired by none other than Infosys co‑founder Nandan Nilekani, whose reputation for leveraging technology in public‑sector projects is well‑known.

The announcement came fresh off a 36‑day protest spearheaded by the so‑called Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which culminated in the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. With Pradhan out, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has taken on the additional charge of the education portfolio and promised “no compromise when it comes to the future of our youth.”

Alongside Nilekani, the task force brings together a diverse set of experts: former ISRO chairman S. Somanath, ex‑Intelligence Bureau chief Tapan Deka, IIT‑Chennai director V. Kamakoti, former education secretary Anita Karwal, and logistics specialist Amrit Lal Meena. Their combined experience spans aerospace, intelligence, academia and public administration – a deliberate mix aimed at tackling the multifaceted problem of paper leaks.

Modi stressed that the government will act on the committee’s recommendations, stressing the need for a trustworthy, transparent and technology‑rich examination ecosystem. He also hinted at a new legislation slated for introduction in Parliament next week, designed to impose harsher penalties on anyone caught leaking exam papers.

Speaking to reporters, Pralhad Joshi said the task force will focus on “technology‑led reforms for transparent, credible and secure national examinations.” He added that the committee’s report will be fast‑tracked, with implementation as soon as possible.

While the details of the reforms remain under wraps, insiders suggest that biometric verification, blockchain‑based paper handling and AI‑driven monitoring could be on the table. If successful, the measures could restore faith among millions of aspirants who have long feared unfair practices.

For now, the nation watches as Nilekani and his team set out to safeguard the future of students across India.