Key Takeaways

  • Centre forms six-member task force for exam reforms.
  • Panel includes experts in tech, space, security, and education.
  • Aims to prevent paper leaks and build secure digital testing.

Quick Facts

  • Six-member task force formed by Centre.
  • Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani heads panel.
  • Former ISRO chief S Somanath appointed.
  • Focuses on next-generation educational testing reforms.

New Delhi: In a major push towards modernising the country’s educational framework, the BJP-led NDA government has constituted a high-powered, six-member task force dedicated to formulating next-generation reforms for India’s examination sector. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the initiative, underlining the government’s commitment to ensuring integrity, transparency, and technical robustness in national-level testing systems.

The panel brings together a team of experts from diverse disciplines including digital technology, space research, national security, administrative governance, and higher education.

Meet the Six Task Force Experts

Nandan Nilekani: Co-founder and Chairman of Infosys, Nilekani previously served as the founding chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) with Cabinet Minister rank. Celebrated for driving India’s digital public infrastructure, his expertise will be pivotal in crafting scalable and secure digital frameworks for testing.

S Somanath: Former chairperson of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Somanath spearheaded historic missions such as the Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing. A distinguished propulsion scientist, his background in managing complex systems brings high-precision operational oversight to the panel.

Dr V Kamakoti: Director of IIT Madras, Dr Kamakoti is a computer architect who led the team that designed ‘Shakti’, India’s first indigenous microprocessor. Having previously chaired the Artificial Intelligence Task Force under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, he brings cutting-edge technological and AI insights.

Anita Karwal: Former Union Education Secretary (2020–2022) and former chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Karwal played a crucial role in drafting the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Her deep domain experience in school evaluation and administrative logistics forms a vital pillar of the team.

Amrit Lal Meena: A retired 1989-batch IAS officer and former Chief Secretary of Bihar, Meena has been inducted specifically as the panel’s Logistics Expert. Having served as Coal Secretary and Special Secretary (Logistics) in the DPIIT, his engineering and administrative background will streamline large-scale exam distribution networks.

Tapan Deka: A distinguished 1988-batch IPS officer who served as Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief for four years, Deka brings decades of expertise in intelligence gathering, operational security, and counter-threat coordination, ensuring robust defence mechanisms against examination leaks and paper compromises.

The task force is expected to deliver comprehensive recommendations to institutionalise digital security, prevent malpractice, and overhaul the evaluation systems governing millions of students across the country.