Nilekani to lead high-powered task force on exam reforms: Modi
A snapshot of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Instagram on July 26, 2026. Screenshot: X/@narendramodi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (July 26, 2026) announced the setting up of a high-powered task force headed by former UIDAI chairman Nandan Nilekani to recommend steps to make the country’s audit system leak-proof and technology-driven.
“We should ensure that our examination system can be credible, transparent and tech-savvy. A high-powered task force will be formed under the leadership of renowned technology expert Nandan Nilekani to focus on examination reforms,” Mr. Modi said.
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Mr. Nilekani has worked with the Union Government in the past to set up the Aadhaar ecosystem and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). He is also the chairman of the governing body of the economic policy research think tank, the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), and a co-founder of Infosys.
The multi-disciplinary panel of domain experts will help revamp the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) examination system, especially from a technology perspective, and bring structural reforms in the system, the sources said, adding that the committee will comprise former UIDAI chairman Nandan Nilekani, former ISRO chairman S Somnath, former IB director Tapan Deka, IIT Chennai director V Karenawal and former logistics expert at Amrita L. Amrita Anita.
“The Center is taking several steps to ensure that those who tampered with the future of students are punished. We have already announced the creation of fast track courts. We will introduce a strict law in Parliament on Monday,” Mr Modi said.
Mr. Modi posted a reel on Instagram announcing the formation of a high-powered committee. The announcement came a day after former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned following widespread protests against the UG 2026 National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) paper leak and subsequent re-examination.
Joshi takes the lead
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi officially took charge of the Education Ministry at Kartavya Bhavan on Sunday (July 26, 2026). Mr Joshi, who also holds the portfolios of consumer affairs, food and public distribution and new and renewable energy, chaired a meeting of the ministry to review the implementation of various schemes and other initiatives.
Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary attended the meeting. Officials said Mr. Joshi inspected key programmes, including Samagra Shiksha, PM-SHRI Schools and PM POSHAN, and discussed school infrastructure.
The secretary of the department of higher education, Dr. Vineet Joshi, School Education and Literacy Department Secretary TK Anil Kumar and other senior officials of the Ministry.
After taking charge of the Education Ministry, Mr Joshi told the media, “The Prime Minister has entrusted me with this responsibility with full confidence. I was in Karnataka yesterday. I reached here last night and came this morning to take charge. I have taken charge.”
“I am going through all the details and decisions to be taken here. I have been gathering information and trying to understand the functioning of the department. We had round-the-clock meetings today. It is a new topic for me. I took charge today and held detailed discussions with senior officers. It is a very big department, so I will talk to you in detail after I understand it completely,” said Mr Joshi.
Published – 26 Jul 2026 19:29 IST