Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the formation of a high-powered task force, headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, to recommend reforms aimed at making India’s examination system more transparent, reliable and technology-driven.
In a video message shared on Instagram and X, the Prime Minister said the panel would study ways to strengthen the country’s examination framework and submit its recommendations to the government, which would then be implemented to improve the credibility of future exams.
Focus on technology-driven reforms
PM Modi said the government had already taken several measures to safeguard students’ interests following the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, including legal action against those involved and the establishment of fast-track courts.
“The Government of India has continuously taken several major steps for the welfare of students. Those who played with the future of students are now rotting in jails. We have already set up fast-track courts. Tomorrow, in Parliament, we will also move forward with a new law containing stringent provisions,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that the government was now shifting its focus to long-term reforms.
“However, we also need to think about the future. Our examination system should be trustworthy, transparent, and make the maximum use of technology. Keeping all these aspects in mind, we have decided to constitute a high-powered task force under the leadership of globally renowned technology expert Nandan Nilekani to focus on examination reforms,” PM Modi said.
Report to guide future examination reforms
Modi said the task force’s recommendations would form the basis of the government’s efforts to strengthen the integrity of future examinations.
“Based on the recommendations of this task force, we will ensure the credibility and reliability of upcoming examinations as quickly as possible,” he said.
Comes after Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation
The announcement comes a day after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has since been given additional charge of the Education Ministry.
After assuming office, Joshi thanked Prime Minister Modi and pledged to discharge his new responsibilities with dedication.
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“I accept this responsibility with a sense of duty and humility. I am thankful to the Prime Minister. In the last 12 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, many historic achievements have been made. In the last four to five years, Dharmendra Pradhan also implemented the National Education Policy, and several important initiatives were undertaken. Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, I will work to the best of my ability and fulfil my responsibilities with dedication,” Joshi said.
CJP protest called off after Centre accepts key demands
The announcement also follows the end of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led agitation over examination reforms.
On Saturday, CJP representatives held a third round of talks with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh at the Constitution Club in New Delhi. The Centre accepted the protesters’ key demands, leading to the withdrawal of the agitation.
As part of the agreement, the government said it would examine the CJP’s five-point charter on examination reforms, ensure no retaliatory action against protesters, provide copies of FIRs related to the agitation, extend compensation to affected families in accordance with government norms, and sympathetically consider the remaining demands.
Normalcy returns to Jantar Mantar
Following the breakthrough in talks, normalcy has gradually returned to central Delhi.
Mobile internet services have been restored in and around the Jantar Mantar protest site, while all 18 Delhi Metro stations that had faced restrictions are now fully operational. Authorities have also appealed to the remaining protesters to disperse peacefully and return home.
