Nilekani-led task force invites suggestions on exam system reforms
The high-powered task force (HPTF) headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to recommend reforms in India’s public examination system on Friday invited suggestions from students, parents, teachers, academic institutions and other stakeholders, including those involved in exam security, technology, governance and student well-being
A high-powered task force led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani has launched a call for suggestions on improving India's public examination system. The six-member panel, established on July 27, aims to recommend comprehensive reforms in the conduct, security, design, and governance of public examinations, with a particular focus on those conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, academic institutions, and those involved in exam security, technology, governance, and student well-being, can submit their ideas through the task force's website, email, phone, or WhatsApp (+917827042830) until September 13. Submissions can be made in English, Hindi, or regional languages.
The HPTF's mandate encompasses a wide range of reforms, including the strengthening of institutional processes, enhancing examination integrity and security, deploying technology, expanding examination infrastructure, improving accessibility and inclusion, and safeguarding student well-being. The panel is also tasked with addressing examination malpractices, leveraging technology (such as secure Computer-Based Testing), and creating or augmenting examination infrastructure.
The task force's recommendations will complement those of the High-Level Committee of Experts (HLCE), which submitted 101 suggestions on examination reforms in October 2024. While seven of the Nilekani panel's nine terms of reference were fully addressed by the Radhakrishnan committee, two were only partially covered. The new task force, however, has a broader scope, including the examination ecosystem beyond NTA and its governance, human-resource management, and statutory framework.
The government's decision to establish the new task force stems from "serious concerns, gaps, and constantly evolving threats" to examination security and administrative robustness, especially in light of recent concerns surrounding the upcoming NEET-UG 2026. Additionally, the rapid evolution of cybersecurity threats and the growing sophistication of technology-enabled threats have prompted the need for a more robust and future-ready examination system.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
