In July, the central government formed a high-powered task force chaired by Nandan Nilekani.
The Centre’s six-member high-powered task force has invited public suggestions for comprehensive reforms in the public examination system. Students, parents, teachers, educational institutions and civil society organisations have also been asked to share their views.
Headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, the task force is specifically working on improving the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) exam operations, security, exam design and infrastructure.
According to the Union Personnel Ministry, the task force aims to make the examination system secure, transparent, fair and future-ready.
Suggestions are being sought on preventing exam malpractices, strengthening institutional systems, using technology and reducing difficulties faced by students.
Suggestions can be submitted till September 13
Suggestions can be submitted in English, Hindi or regional languages till September 13. The government has made provisions to submit feedback through its website, phone, WhatsApp and email.
Suggestions can be submitted at examreforms-taskforce.dopt.gov.in. People can also call 1800-180-4747 or send ‘hptf’ on WhatsApp to 7827042830.
Based on these suggestions, the task force will submit recommendations to the government for reforms in the examination system.
Nilekani-led task force formed in July
The Centre formed the task force under Nandan Nilekani’s chairmanship in July. It was set up amid student protests at Jantar Mantar over allegations of paper leaks and demands for changes in the examination system.
Besides Nilekani, the task force includes former Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, former ISRO chairman S. Somanath, IIT Madras director V. Kamakoti, former Education Secretary Anita Karwal and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena.
3 new officers appointed to NTA after paper leak controversy
Three new officers were appointed to the National Testing Agency (NTA) on Friday following the paper leak controversy.
IPS officer Ravi Kumar Singh and IAS officer Prasanna Venkatesh V. have been appointed directors, while IRS officer Amit Samdariya has been appointed joint director.
PM had to issue video message over paper leaks
At midnight on July 23, PM Modi posted a 2.56-minute video message on his X handle.
The PM said paper leaks were not a minor issue and were painful for millions of students and their parents.
He said several steps had been taken over the past two-and-a-half months to tackle paper leaks and that those responsible had been arrested and were in jail.
He said the government’s responsibility was to ensure that students’ year was not wasted, so the exam for 22 lakh students was conducted within a short period.
He said the government would not be satisfied with this alone and had directed that fast-track courts be set up.
Anti-paper leak bill introduced in Parliament, passed by both Houses
The government introduced an amendment bill related to paper leaks during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. It was passed by both Houses and became law after receiving the President’s assent on August 1.
The government said the law would not be limited to the National Testing Agency but would also apply to UPSC, the Staff Selection Commission, banking examinations and other public exams.
What is the NEET paper leak case? 13 arrested so far
The paper for the NEET-UG 2026 exam held on May 3, 2026, was leaked. The government and NTA cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 exam and conducted a re-examination. During this period, several students across the country died by suicide.
The Cockroach Janata Party staged a month-long protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over the paper leak. Sonam Wangchuk went on a 26-day hunger strike. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had to resign.
The CBI is currently investigating the paper leak case. Investigations have been conducted in several states, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Delhi. So far, 13 accused have been arrested. The CBI may file a chargesheet soon.
