New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the formation of a high-powered six-member task force to recommend reforms aimed at making India’s examination system more secure, transparent and resistant to paper leaks.
The panel, headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, brings together experts from technology, education, space, intelligence and public administration. The task force has been entrusted with suggesting measures to strengthen examination security and restore public confidence in competitive exams.
Nandan Nilekani – Chairman
Infosys co-founder and chairman Nandan Nilekani will lead the task force. Widely recognised as the architect of India’s Aadhaar digital identity programme, Nilekani also played a key role in the development of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), transforming the country’s digital public infrastructure.
The government expects him to spearhead recommendations on using advanced technology to make examinations more secure, transparent and efficient.
S Somanath – Space Technology Expert
Former ISRO Chairman S Somanath brings decades of experience in aerospace engineering and large-scale technology systems. He served as Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation and Secretary, Department of Space, from 2022 to 2025.
His expertise is expected to help the panel design robust technology-driven solutions for examination management and security.
Tapan Deka – Security and Intelligence Specialist
Former Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director Tapan Deka, a 1988-batch IPS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, has extensive experience in national security and counter-terrorism operations.
On the task force, he will contribute to strengthening the security framework for examinations, including question paper protection, candidate verification and digital safeguards throughout the examination process.
Anita Karwal – Education Policy Expert
Former CBSE Chairperson Anita Karwal is a senior IAS officer with over three decades of experience in school education and public administration.
She played a significant role in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework. Having also dealt with the 2018 CBSE paper leak controversy, Karwal is expected to provide valuable insights into education policy and examination reforms.
V Kamakoti – Academic and AI Specialist
V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, is known for leading the development of India’s first indigenous microprocessor, Shakti.
He also serves on the National Security Advisory Board and heads the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force. His role will focus on integrating emerging technologies and academic expertise into the examination system.
Amrit Lal Meena – Administrative and Logistics Expert
Senior IAS officer Amrit Lal Meena, a 1989-batch Bihar cadre officer, has served in several key administrative positions, including Chief Secretary of Bihar and Secretary, Ministry of Coal.
With extensive experience in governance, logistics and policy implementation, Meena is expected to help the task force develop practical mechanisms for conducting secure examinations across the country.
The Centre constituted the task force following concerns over examination paper leaks and irregularities. The panel is expected to recommend comprehensive reforms to improve examination security, strengthen institutional accountability and ensure greater transparency in recruitment and entrance examinations.
