Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the formation of a high-powered task force headed by technology expert and Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to recommend reforms aimed at making India’s examination system more reliable, transparent and technology-driven.
The announcement comes amid the Centre’s efforts to strengthen the country’s examination process following controversies surrounding irregularities in competitive examinations.
Task force to recommend examination reforms
In a video message addressed to students, Prime Minister Modi said the government has already taken several measures to protect the future of students by cracking down on examination malpractice.
He said individuals involved in tampering with examinations have been arrested, fast-track courts have been established to ensure speedy trials, and the government is moving towards introducing stronger legal provisions through new legislation.
Highlighting the need for long-term reforms, the Prime Minister said the examination system must be trustworthy, transparent and make maximum use of modern technology.
“The Government of India is continuously taking various measures for the future of students. However, we must look to the future. Our examination system needs to be reliable and transparent, and it must make maximum use of technology,” he said.
Focus on technology and transparency
According to the Prime Minister, the Nandan Nilekani-led task force will study the existing examination framework and recommend systemic reforms to improve transparency, credibility and efficiency in conducting public examinations across the country.
Based on the panel’s recommendations, the government will take steps to implement reforms at the earliest to restore confidence in the examination process.
Government tightens laws against exam fraud
The Centre has also proposed amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, introducing provisions for time-bound investigations, fast-track trials and stricter penalties for paper leaks and organised examination fraud.
The task force is expected to play a key role in shaping a robust and technology-driven examination ecosystem, ensuring fair opportunities for millions of students appearing for competitive and public examinations across India.