New Delhi: The Centre has constituted a High-Powered Task Force on Examination Reforms, led by technology expert and Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, to recommend comprehensive reforms for the National Testing Agency (NTA). The panel has been tasked with suggesting structural and technological changes aimed at strengthening the examination ecosystem, improving governance, and enhancing the transparency, security, and efficiency of national-level examinations.
The multidisciplinary task force comprises experts from the fields of technology, education, security, administration, and logistics. It will focus on leveraging advanced technology and recommending systemic reforms to make examinations more secure, reliable, and tamper-proof.
The committee will be chaired by Nandan Nilekani, who will spearhead the technology-driven overhaul of the examination system. Other members include S. Somnath, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), who will contribute expertise in systems engineering and technology; Tapan Deka, former Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), who will advise on examination security and risk management; V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, who will provide academic and technological inputs; Anita Karwal, former Education Secretary, who will offer policy and administrative guidance; and Amrit Lal Meena, a logistics expert, who will focus on strengthening operational planning and examination logistics.
The formation of the task force is part of the government’s broader effort to revamp the NTA’s examination framework and restore public confidence in the country’s competitive examination system. The panel is expected to recommend measures to improve the use of technology, strengthen institutional mechanisms, streamline operational processes, and introduce structural reforms that ensure greater transparency, fairness, and accountability in the conduct of examinations. Its recommendations are expected to serve as the blueprint for a comprehensive overhaul of the NTA, particularly in the areas of technology adoption, governance, examination security, and operational efficiency.
Earlier in the day, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi assumed additional charge of the Ministry of Education following the recent Cabinet reshuffle.
Soon after taking charge, Joshi chaired a review meeting with senior ministry officials to assess the implementation of various schemes and ongoing initiatives. Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary also attended the meeting.
Addressing the media after the review, Joshi said, “This is a new ministry for me. It is a large ministry. Today, I met senior officials to understand its functioning and ongoing work.”
He added that he had travelled from Karnataka overnight and reached New Delhi on Sunday morning to formally assume charge.
In a post on X, Joshi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for entrusting him with the additional responsibility. “I am grateful to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for placing his faith in me and entrusting me with this responsibility. I accept it with humility and a deep sense of duty,” he wrote.
