Aadhaar architect, e ISRO chairman: Meet the 6 experts tasked with NTA exam reforms
The Centre on Sunday unveiled the si member high-powered task force that will chart the future of India's examination system, bringing together experts from technology
The Centre on Sunday unveiled the si member high-powered task force that will chart the future of India's examination system, bringing together experts from technology, space, intelligence, academia and public administration to recommend reforms for the Testing Agency (NTA). Headed by Infosys co-founder and Aadhaar architect Nandan Nilekani, the panel has been tasked with proposing structural and technology-driven changes to make national entrance examinations more transparent, secure and credible. The announcement follows the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, which triggered nationwide protests and renewed scrutiny of the country's examination framework. The government said the multidisciplinary panel will review the existing system and recommend measures to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency, with a strong emphasis on technology-led reforms. Why the Centre has formed the NTA exam reforms panel Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the constitution of the task force on Sunday, describing it as part of a broader effort to restore public trust in India's examination system. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What is the purpose of the NTA exam reforms panel led by Nandan Nilekani? ⌵ The NTA exam reforms panel is tasked with proposing structural and technology-driven changes to enhance the transparency, security, and credibility of national entrance examinations in India. 2 Why was the NTA exam reforms task force formed by the government? ⌵ The task force was formed to restore public trust in India's examination system following a controversy involving the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak that triggered protests and highlighted flaws in the current examination framework. 3 How will the experts on the NTA exam reforms panel contribute to the reforms? ⌵ Experts on the panel, from diverse fields such as technology, space, and education, will leverage their knowledge to recommend reforms aimed at improving question paper security, candidate verification, and overall examination logistics. 4 Which major issues is the NTA exam reforms panel expected to address? ⌵ The panel is expected to tackle issues such as examination malpractice, including paper leaks and impersonation, by focusing on strengthening security measures and enhancing the technological capabilities of the examination system.
5 What did Prime Minister Modi say about the future of India's examination system? ⌵ Prime Minister Modi emphasized the need for a reliable and transparent examination system that utilizes maximum technology, stating that steps will be initiated based on the task force's report to ensure credibility in upcoming examinations. In a video message, the Prime Minister said the government had already acted against those accused of examination fraud while also strengthening the legal framework. Also Read | CJP Protest LIVE: PM Modi announces task force on exam reforms "The Government of India is continuously taking various measures for the future of students. Those who tampered with the students' future are languishing in jail. We have already established fast-track courts. We are also moving towards enacting new legislation in Parliament that incorporates stringent legal provisions. However, we must look to the future. Our examination system needs to be reliable and transparent, and it must make maximum use of technology." Announcing the panel, Modi added "Keeping all these factors in mind, we have decided to constitute a high-powered task force under the leadership of the world-renowned technology expert Nandan Nilekani. This task force will focus on examination reforms, and based on its report, steps will be taken to ensure the credibility of upcoming examinations at the earliest." According to the government, the panel will examine the functioning of the NTA and recommend reforms aimed at strengthening question paper security, candidate verification, examination logistics and the overall credibility of national-level entrance tests. Nandan Nilekani Technology entrepreneur Nandan Nilekani will chair the task force. Born in Bengaluru in 1955, he studied at Bishop Cotton Boys' School, St Joseph's High School and later earned a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Bombay. As the co-founder of Infosys and the founding chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Nilekani led the rollout of Aadhaar, the world's largest digital identity programme.
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