What Major Changes Are Coming to India's Examination System? Nandan Nilekani Takes the Lead!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the formation of a high-powered task force led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to reform India's examination system and address concerns over paper leaks. This initiative follows a significant protest that led to the resignation of the Education Minister. The task force will include various experts and aims to implement technology-driven solutions to ensure transparency and trustworthiness in examinations. Additionally, the government plans to introduce a new bill to strengthen laws against paper leaks, proposing severe penalties for offenders. As the education landscape evolves, these reforms could significantly impact students' futures.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 26, 2026, 22:27 IST

New Task Force to Reform Examination System

New Delhi: In a significant move to tackle the issue of examination paper leaks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of a high-level task force led by Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys. This initiative aims to recommend reforms that will enhance the integrity of the examination system.

During a video message shared on his Instagram, Modi emphasized that the government is committed to implementing the task force's recommendations to ensure a reliable and transparent examination process through advanced technology.

This announcement follows the recent resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Education Minister, which came after a 36-day protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

The task force will comprise a diverse group of experts, including former ISRO chairman S. Somanath, ex-Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, IIT Chennai director V. Kamakoti, former education secretary Anita Karwal, and logistics specialist Amrit Lal Meena.

Nilekani, known for his pivotal role in developing Aadhaar and India's digital infrastructure, will spearhead this initiative.

Modi reiterated the government's ongoing efforts to safeguard students' futures, stating that those responsible for compromising the examination system have faced legal consequences. He also mentioned plans to introduce a new bill in Parliament aimed at strengthening laws against paper leaks.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of creating a trustworthy examination system, stating that the task force will focus on necessary reforms. The government intends to act swiftly upon receiving the task force's recommendations.

On Monday, the Centre is set to present a bill in the Lok Sabha aimed at bolstering anti-paper leak legislation. The proposed Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, includes provisions for establishing fast-track courts in each state to expedite investigations into paper leak incidents, with a target completion time of two months.

The bill also proposes harsher penalties, including up to 10 years of imprisonment and fines reaching Rs 50 lakh for individuals involved in paper leaks, while organized crime related to these leaks could incur fines of up to Rs 10 crore.

The CJP's protest at Jantar Mantar, which began on June 20, demanded Pradhan's resignation and accountability regarding the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, as well as reforms in the CBSE's marking process. The movement garnered widespread support from students and opposition parties alike.

The protests intensified after videos of activist Sonam Wangchuk's health deteriorating during a hunger strike circulated online. On July 18, police forcibly moved him to Safdarjung Hospital, igniting further outrage among students and demonstrators.

A large protest march to Parliament on July 20 faced a strong police response, including lathi charges and tear gas.

Following three rounds of negotiations, the CJP and the government reached an agreement on Saturday, leading to the cessation of the protests. In addition to Pradhan's resignation, the government has committed to providing compensation to families of students who allegedly took their own lives and withdrawing FIRs in Delhi and other BJP-ruled states.