India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of a high-level task force to reform the country’s examination system following widespread protests over exam paper leaks. The task force will be led by Nandan Nilekani, a well-known technology entrepreneur, and aims to enhance the reliability and transparency of the test administration process.
Speaking on Sunday via social media, Modi emphasized the need for a trustworthy examination framework that leverages technology to its fullest potential. The move comes after several days of demonstrations by students and youth who demanded stronger action against the recurring issue of leaked exam papers, which have raised concerns about fairness and integrity in India’s highly competitive academic environment.
Alongside creating the task force, the government plans to introduce new legislation in parliament on Monday designed to address exam security more rigorously. Modi indicated that the proposed measures would include stricter legal provisions and harsher penalties for individuals found responsible for exam paper breaches.
The initiative reflects growing public pressure on authorities to restore confidence in the examination system, which plays a critical role in academic and professional advancement for millions in India. Authorities have faced criticism for ineffectiveness in curbing leaks, which have undermined the credibility of various competitive exams conducted at the national and state levels.
Nandan Nilekani, known for his previous role in driving India’s digital identification project, is expected to bring technological expertise to the efforts aimed at securing exam materials and streamlining the evaluation process. The task force will likely review current practices and propose comprehensive reforms to prevent future incidents.
Modi’s announcement signals a commitment to tackling systemic vulnerabilities and modernizing the examination infrastructure amid mounting calls for transparency and accountability. The government has yet to release detailed plans beyond the upcoming legislative proposal and the establishment of the task force. Further updates are anticipated as the process unfolds.