NEET Paper Leak: PM Modi Forms Exam Reform Task Force Led by Nandan Nilekani

A day after nationwide student protests over alleged examination irregularities ended following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the constitution of a high-level task force to overhaul India's examination system, with Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani set to lead the panel.

In a video message, the Prime Minister said the Centre was committed to rebuilding students' trust in the country's examination process and promised a system that is "trustworthy, transparent and technology-driven".

The announcement marks the government's first major policy response following weeks of protests triggered by the NEET paper leak controversy and Pradhan's resignation.

PM Modi said the task force would recommend next-generation reforms to strengthen the conduct of public examinations, improve institutional accountability and leverage technology to eliminate paper leaks and other malpractices.

According to the Prime Minister, the panel will examine structural reforms to the National Testing Agency (NTA) and suggest measures to make examinations more secure, efficient and credible.

The Prime Minister also announced that the government would introduce legislation in Parliament to further strengthen the legal framework against examination-related offences, including stricter penalties for paper leaks and unfair practices.

This is the third time Prime Minister Modi has directly addressed students and young people on issues relating to examination reforms and paper leaks, underscoring the political significance of the controversy.

The announcement comes a day after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which spearheaded the student agitation, called off its protests after the Centre accepted key demands, including initiating examination reforms and following Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as Education Minister.