Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the formation of a high-powered task force under the leadership of Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to improve India's examination system. The task force will study the existing system, recommend reforms and submit a report to the government. The Centre will use the report to strengthen the reliability of future examinations and improve transparency through greater use of technology.

The Prime Minister made the announcement in a video statement shared on X. He said the government has been taking continuous steps to protect the future of students and strengthen the country's examination process. He added that the recommendations of the new panel will guide future reforms.

Referring to the government's ongoing efforts, PM Modi said, "Friends, for the future of students, the government of India is continuously taking several steps. Those who played with the future of students are rotting in jails. We have set up fast-track courts. Tomorrow in parliament too, we are moving forward in the direction of making a new law with strict legal provisions."

The announcement came a day after protests over examination paper leaks ended following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union Education Minister. The demonstrations were led by the satirical political group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The protests had focused on demands for accountability, examination reforms and stronger safeguards against paper leaks.

Speaking about the need for long-term reforms, the Prime Minister stressed that India's examination system must become more dependable and transparent. He said the country should make maximum use of technology to improve the examination process. Announcing the new panel, PM Modi said, "But we must think for the future. Our examination system should be reliable, our examination system should be transparent, and our examination system should now have the maximum use of technology. 'Keeping all these things in mind, a decision has been made to form a high-power task force under the leadership of world-renowned technology expert Nandan Nilekani, which will focus on examination reform. And at the earliest, the work to ensure the reliability of the upcoming examinations will be done based on its report."

The task force will include experts from different fields who will help design reforms for India's examination system. The panel will focus on introducing technology-driven improvements and structural changes. The government expects the recommendations to make future examinations more secure, reliable and efficient.

Along with Nandan Nilekani, the task force includes former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S. Somanath, former Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, IIT Chennai Director V. Kamakoti, former Education Secretary Anita Kawal and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena. The members bring experience from technology, education, governance, security and public administration. Their combined expertise will support the government's efforts to modernise the examination system.

Nandan Nilekani has played a major role in building technology-based public platforms in India. As a co-founder of the eGov Foundation, he has worked to improve urban governance through digital solutions. The organisation develops citizen-focused platforms that help urban local bodies deliver better public services and improve the quality of life for residents.

Nilekani also served as the founding chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). During his tenure, he led the development of Aadhaar, one of the world's largest digital identity programmes. His experience in implementing large-scale technology projects is expected to support the task force's work on examination reforms.

Apart from his work in governance, Nilekani co-founded the EkStep Foundation. The organisation focuses on improving basic literacy and numeracy for millions of children through digital learning platforms. His work has largely centred on using technology to solve public challenges and expand access to essential services.

Nilekani completed his Bachelor's degree at IIT Bombay. He has received several prestigious honours for his contributions to technology and public service. These include the Padma Bhushan and the Joseph Schumpeter Prize.

The Centre has placed technology at the core of its latest examination reform initiative. The newly formed task force will study existing challenges, suggest practical solutions and submit its recommendations to the government. Based on its report, the Centre plans to introduce measures that improve transparency, strengthen security and ensure greater reliability in upcoming examinations across the country.