Nilekani to lead high-powered task force on exam reforms: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the formation of a high-powered task force to overhaul India's examination system. The panel will be led by technology expert and Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani.

The announcement came during an interaction with students. Modi said the task force will look into the entire ecosystem of competitive exams, from school-leaving tests to entrance examinations for higher education and government jobs.

Who is on the panel?

The task force includes a diverse set of experts. Among them is a senior space scientist from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and a former chief of India's external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

The inclusion of a spymaster has raised eyebrows. Officials said his expertise in security and data integrity will be crucial to prevent leaks and malpractices. The space scientist brings experience in handling large-scale, high-stakes testing systems used for astronaut selection.

Ending the coaching class culture

Modi was blunt about one of the main goals. "We need to stop coaching classes," he said. The Prime Minister argued that the current system forces students into expensive coaching centres, creating inequality and stress.

The task force is expected to recommend changes that make the examination process more transparent, less stressful, and accessible to students from all backgrounds. Technology will play a key role, with Nilekani's experience in building Aadhaar and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) likely shaping the proposals.

Political reaction

The Congress party was quick to dismiss the move. Spokespersons called it a diversionary tactic. "Instead of acting on the repeated leaks and paper scams, the PM forms another committee," a senior Congress leader said. The party alleged the announcement was timed to shift focus away from unemployment and economic issues.

The government has not yet confirmed a timeline for the task force's report. Officials said the panel will consult with students, parents, educators, and state governments before finalising its recommendations.

What happens next?

The task force is expected to hold its first meeting within a week. All eyes will be on Nilekani to see if he can bring the same transformative impact to exam reforms that he brought to digital identity and payments.