The High Performance Task Force on NTA Reforms invites proposals from stakeholders

Stakeholders such as testing and testing authorities, subject and technology experts, industry and civil society organizations and others can also submit their proposals. File. | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

A high-powered task force set up by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to recommend reforms in public examinations has invited suggestions from stakeholders including students, parents, teachers and academic institutions in a public consultation.

Stakeholders such as testing and testing authorities, subject and technology experts, industry and civil society organizations and others can also submit their proposals.

“As part of this exercise, the task force finds it extremely useful to benefit from the experience, knowledge and perspectives of all parties involved,” an official statement from the Ministry of Personnel said.

The task force under former UIDAI chairman Nandan Nilekani was set up after the widely criticized leak of the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2026, the gateway to the coveted MBBS in medical colleges. Earlier, the Center formed a committee headed by former ISRO chairman K. Radhakrishnan after the NEET-UG 2024 document was leaked to overhaul the public examination system.

Stricture of the Supreme Court

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court warned the Center against “committee hopping” and said the NTA’s reforms must build lasting institutional memory rather than change with every new panel. The Supreme Court also asked the government to explain how the task force headed by Mr. Nilekani works with the earlier recommendations of the Radhakrishnan Committee, how it modifies or nuances them.

The working group said the proposals could cover the conduct and security of public examinations, examination design and assessment methodology, governance, accountability and institutional arrangements, prevention, detection and correction of misconduct in investigations. It also invited proposals for the use of technology, including secure computer-based testing, as well as the creation and expansion of testing infrastructure.

Proposals for an inclusive examination framework for better access across social, economic, regional and linguistic groups are also welcome.

The task force also asked for suggestions on how to introduce transparency, grievance redressal and stakeholder communication, as well as measures to promote student welfare during the examination process and any other measures that can add value to the examination system.

The working group asked stakeholders to submit their proposals by September 13. Entries can be made in English, Hindi or regional languages, an official statement said.

“The input received through this public consultation will assist the high-powered task force in formulating its recommendations to government,” the statement added.

“The task force is exploring measures to strengthen institutional systems and processes, ensure exam integrity and security, deploy appropriate technology, expand exam infrastructure, promote accessibility and inclusion, and ensure student welfare,” an official statement said. “The aim is to develop a robust, secure, transparent, fair and future-proof public examination system.”

This includes examining and recommending comprehensive reforms to the conduct, security, design and management of public examinations, including those administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Proposals can be submitted on the website: and by calling 1800-180-4747. Alternatively, they can also WhatsApp text “hptf” to +917827042830 or email to ExamReformsTaskforce@dopt.gov.in.

Published – 29 Aug 2026 01:31 IST