Nandan Nilekani panel seeks public suggestions to overhaul exam system

A high-powered task force set up by the Centre amid student protests over alleged paper leaks has invited public suggestions on sweeping reforms to India’s public examination system, including measures to strengthen accountability and institutional mechanisms.

The six-member High-Powered Task Force (HPTF), chaired by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, was constituted by the government in July to examine and recommend reforms covering the conduct, security, design and governance of public examinations, particularly those conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

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In a statement on Friday, the Union Ministry of Personnel said the panel is examining ways to strengthen institutional systems, safeguard examination integrity, deploy technology effectively, improve infrastructure, enhance accessibility and protect student well-being.

The broader objective is to create a public examination system that is "robust, secure, transparent, equitable and future-ready", the ministry said.

Seeking inputs from those directly involved in the examination process, the task force said it considers it "extremely useful to benefit from the experience, knowledge and perspectives of all the stakeholders".

Suggestions have been invited from students, parents, teachers, educational institutions, examination-conducting bodies and civil society organisations.

The consultation will cover a wide range of issues, including the conduct and security of examinations, examination design and assessment methods, governance and accountability, and the prevention, detection and redressal of malpractices.

The panel has also sought suggestions on the use of technology, including secure computer-based testing, as well as ways to strengthen and expand examination infrastructure.

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Another focus area is creating a more inclusive examination framework that improves access for candidates across social, economic, regional and linguistic groups. Stakeholders have also been asked to suggest measures to improve transparency, grievance redressal and communication between examination authorities and candidates.

The task force is additionally seeking ideas to promote student well-being and reduce stress throughout the examination cycle, along with any other measures that could strengthen the overall examination system.

Stakeholders have been asked to submit their suggestions by September 13. Responses can be submitted in English, Hindi or regional languages through a designated website, phone, WhatsApp or email.

"The inputs received through this public consultation will assist the HPTF in formulating its recommendations to the government," the ministry said, urging stakeholders to participate widely and constructively.

The HPTF was formed as the government sought to address a prolonged protest at Jantar Mantar, where hundreds of examination aspirants and youth organisations had demanded structural reforms, greater transparency and tougher action against malpractices in national-level competitive examinations.

Besides Nilekani, the task force comprises former Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, former ISRO chairman S Somnath, IIT Madras director V Kamakoti, former education secretary Anita Karwal and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena.