Nandan Nilekani to head high-powered task force on examination reforms
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on 26 July 2026 the constitution of a high-powered task force on examination reforms, led by Nandan Nilekani, to recommend changes to the examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Summary
The six-member multidisciplinary task force, chaired by Infosys co-founder and former UIDAI chairman Nandan Nilekani, will recommend technology-driven and structural reforms to make NTA examinations leak-proof, secure and transparent. Its other members are former ISRO chairman S. Somanath, former Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, IIT Madras director V. Kamakoti, former education secretary Anita Karwal and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena. The PM said its suggestions will be implemented once the report is received. The announcement came amid student protests over paper leaks, and a day before the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 was due to be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
Key facts
- Announced
- 26 July 2026, by PM Narendra Modi
- Chair
- Nandan Nilekani (Infosys co-founder, ex-UIDAI chairman)
- Members
- S. Somanath, Tapan Deka, V. Kamakoti, Anita Karwal, Amrit Lal Meena
- Size
- Six members
- Mandate
- Technology-driven and structural reforms to NTA examinations – leak-proof, secure, transparent
Practice MCQs 4 questions
Who heads the high-powered task force on examination reforms announced by the Prime Minister on 26 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Nandan Nilekani
The task force is led by Nandan Nilekani. S. Somanath and V. Kamakoti are members.
The Nilekani-led task force constituted in July 2026 is to recommend reforms mainly for examinations conducted by which body?
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Correct answer: B — National Testing Agency
The task force will recommend technology-driven and structural reforms for examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Which of the following is a former Director of the Intelligence Bureau named as a member of the examination-reforms task force in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Tapan Deka
Tapan Deka is the former IB director on the panel. Anita Karwal is a former education secretary and Amrit Lal Meena a logistics expert and former civil servant.
Consider the following statements about the examination-reforms task force announced on 26 July 2026: 1. It has six members. 2. Former ISRO chairman S. Somanath is a member. 3. The Director of IIT Madras is a member. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
All three are correct: the six members are Nandan Nilekani (chair), S. Somanath, Tapan Deka, V. Kamakoti (Director, IIT Madras), Anita Karwal and Amrit Lal Meena.