High-powered task force looking into NTA reforms invites stakeholder suggestions

Nilekani committee opens public consultation to reform India's public examination system NEW DELHI, A high-powered task force, chaired by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, has launched a nationwide consultation to gather input on improving the conduct, security, transparency and fairness of India’s public examinations. The initiative, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month, follows growing concerns over recent controversies involving national-level entrance exams such as the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The consultation period runs until September 13, allowing citizens to submit suggestions via multiple channels, including WhatsApp, email, a dedicated website and a toll-free number. The task force, formed under the Ministry of Personnel, aims to examine and recommend comprehensive reforms related to the administration, security and governance of public examinations. This includes assessments conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The panel was established in response to widespread criticism of the examination system, particularly after the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak sparked protests and calls for systemic change. The move comes shortly after the Centre accepted demands raised by youth-led groups, including the CJP movement, which had previously protested over alleged lapses in the NEET-UG 2024 exam. The consultation process is intended to incorporate insights from a wide range of stakeholders, including students, parents, educators, subject-matter experts, technology professionals, civil society organizations and industry representatives. Suggestions may address issues such as the conduct and security of exams, the design and assessment methodologies used, governance structures, accountability mechanisms, and strategies to prevent and address malpractice. The task force also seeks proposals on leveraging technology for secure computer-based testing, enhancing examination infrastructure, and ensuring greater inclusivity and accessibility for diverse groups. In addition to these technical considerations, the task force has emphasized the importance of promoting student well-being throughout the examination process. It has called for improved transparency, effective grievance redressal systems and enhanced communication with stakeholders. The goal is to create a public examination system that is robust, secure, transparent, equitable and capable of meeting future educational challenges. The panel consists of several prominent figures, including former ISRO chairman S Somanath, former Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, IIT Madras director V Kamakoti, former education secretary Anita Karwal and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena. The group is tasked with proposing both immediate corrective measures and long-term structural changes to ensure the reliability and efficiency of the examination system. The initiative has drawn attention due to the Supreme Court’s recent warning against “committee hopping,” urging the government to avoid frequent shifts in oversight panels and instead focus on building sustainable institutional frameworks. The court had also questioned how the Nilekani-led task force would align with previous recommendations made by the Radhakrishnan Committee, which had been formed to address similar concerns following the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak. The current task force is expected to provide a unified approach to reforming the examination system, integrating lessons learned from past incidents. As the consultation period continues, the Ministry of Personnel has encouraged all interested parties to contribute their perspectives, emphasizing that the feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the final recommendations. The task force will review the submissions before presenting its findings to the government, with the aim of implementing meaningful improvements to the nation’s public examination framework.