Prime Minister Modi Forms Task Force to Combat Exam Paper Leaks
New Initiative to Ensure Exam Integrity
File image of NEET-UG aspirants protesting against NTA paper leaks. (Photo: PTI)
New Delhi, July 27: In a proactive move to tackle the ongoing issues surrounding examination paper leaks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of a high-level task force on Sunday. This initiative will be led by Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys, who is tasked with recommending reforms aimed at securing the examination process.
The government is committed to implementing the task force's recommendations, which are expected to enhance the reliability of the examination system and promote transparency through advanced technological solutions, as stated by Modi in a video message shared on his Instagram account.
This announcement follows the conclusion of a 36-day protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which resulted in the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan from his position as Education Minister.
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 emphasized that the government is taking continuous measures to safeguard the future of students. He noted that individuals responsible for compromising students' futures have faced legal consequences, and a new bill will be introduced in Parliament on Monday to establish stringent laws against examination paper leaks.
“We must focus on the future. To ensure our examination system is reliable and transparent, we have decided to form a high-powered committee led by the esteemed technology expert Nandan Nilekani,” he remarked. The Prime Minister assured that the task force will address examination reforms comprehensively.
“Once we receive the report, we will act on its recommendations to guarantee that future examinations are credible,” he added.
The Centre plans to present a bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday aimed at reinforcing the 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, ensuring they are concluded within two months.
Additionally, the bill proposes stricter penalties, including imprisonment for up to 10 years and fines reaching Rs 50 lakh for those involved in paper leaks. Organized crime related to paper leaks could incur fines of up to Rs 10 crore.