The Daily PulseEducation
Centre gives Nilekani exam reform panel more time until early next year
Reported by Kunal Bhatia (Senior Writer) · Hindustan Times - Education ·
Reported by one source so far
Photo: Wikimedia CommonsThe central government has pushed the deadline for the Nandan Nilekani-led exam reform committee to submit its final report to January 2027. Prime Minister Narendra Modi formed this six-member team in July following widespread student protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar that led to the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Feedback And Consultations
The task force gathered over 50,000 ideas from students, parents, teachers, schools, colleges, industry bodies, and testing agencies. The government also filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court detailing the panel's ongoing work and consultations. The group consulted former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan, who previously led a committee addressing the 2024 NEET paper leaks. Aside from Nilekani, the team includes former ISRO head S Somanath, former Intelligence Bureau chief Tapan Deka, IIT Chennai Director V Kamakoti, former education secretary Anita Karwal, and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena.
Context
Exam reforms and testing security have become major national priorities following multiple recent paper leak controversies affecting large-scale entrance tests. High-level panels like this one rely on widespread public feedback and expert advice to redesign how major academic evaluations are conducted across the country.
ExplainerWhy this matters
What Happened
The central government created a high-powered task force led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to overhaul the national examination system and prevent paper leaks, following major student protests and the resignation of the education minister.
Why It Matters
Recurring paper leaks in major national entrance tests disrupt the academic futures of millions of students and shake public trust in India's testing agencies. The recommendations of this committee aim to secure testing infrastructure, introduce technology upgrades like computer-based testing, and restore overall credibility to the educational evaluation system.
What Happens Next
The panel will compile its findings and recommendations based on the 50,000-plus public suggestions and expert consultations, with the final report now due by January 2027.
