PM Modi's Nandan Nilekani-led Task Force for Exam Reforms
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a high-powered task force headed by Nandan Nilekani to reform India's examination system, following concerns over paper leaks and protests over NEET-UG 2026 irregularities. The announcement coincides with the introduction of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in Parliament.
Background
India's examination system has faced repeated paper leaks and malpractices, leading to public outcry and demands for reform. The NEET-UG 2026 alleged irregularities sparked nationwide protests, prompting the government to take action.
Key facts
Task force headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani.
Includes experts from technology, education, security, and administration.
Members include a former ISRO chief, a former Intelligence Bureau director, and an IIT director.
Announced by PM Modi on Sunday amid concerns over paper leaks.
Comes a day before the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 is introduced in Parliament.
The bill proposes stricter punishments, including fines up to ₹10 crore for paper leaks.
Prelims pointers
- Nandan Nilekani: Infosys co-founder, former chairman of UIDAI (Aadhaar).
- ISRO: Indian Space Research Organisation.
- Intelligence Bureau (IB): India's internal intelligence agency.
- NEET-UG: National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for undergraduate medical courses.
- Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.
Mains angles
- GS2 Polity: Role of high-powered committees in policy reforms; issues of transparency and accountability in public examinations.
- GS3 Security: Challenges of paper leaks and malpractices; need for technological solutions in examination security.
- GS2 Governance: Reforms in education sector; balancing efficiency and fairness in competitive exams.