Who's on PM Modi's task force for exam reforms? Here's what we know

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the formation of a high-powered task force to address examination reforms in India, a move that comes in the wake of significant student protests against alleged paper leaks. The task force will be headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani.

The panel's primary objective is to submit recommendations for immediate measures to secure upcoming tests. It is tasked with overhauling India's national examination and testing systems to make them leakproof and secure, while also maximizing the use of advanced technology for a transparent, future-ready process.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to reform the examination system. The government is also preparing to introduce a bill in Parliament that proposes harsher punishments and heavier penalties, including fines up to ₹10 crore, for those convicted of paper leaks. The announcement of fast-track courts to try examination irregularity cases has also been made.

The formation of the task force also coincides with a change in the Union Education Ministry. Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned following weeks of protests. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has taken additional charge of the ministry and has already reviewed the implementation of various schemes.

“

while the announcement of setting up fast-track courts to try cases of irregularities in examinations has been made on a video posted on X on Thursday, and the government is preparing to move a bill, the task force is being set up with an eye on the future and overall examination reforms.