The High-Powered Task Force on Examination Reforms, chaired by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, has invited suggestions from students, parents, teachers and other stakeholders on reforming India’s public examination system, including the National Testing Agency (NTA). The task force has set September 13, 2026, as the deadline for submissions, which can be made through a dedicated online portal, email, a toll-free number or WhatsApp. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the panel on July 26, 2026, weeks after the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak triggered student protests and renewed scrutiny of exam security across the country.
Key Highlights
- The High-Powered Task Force on Examination Reforms is chaired by Nandan Nilekani and was constituted by the central government on July 26, 2026.
- The six-member panel also includes S Somanath, Tapan Deka, V Kamakoti, Anita Karwal and Amrit Lal Meena.
- Public suggestions are invited from students, parents, teachers, academic institutions, examination bodies, state governments, experts and civil society groups.
- The last date to submit suggestions is September 13, 2026.
- Submissions can be made via the official portal, email, a toll-free helpline or WhatsApp, in English, Hindi or regional languages.
- The task force is examining exam security, conduct, design, governance, technology use, infrastructure, inclusion and grievance redressal.
- The panel was formed in the aftermath of the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy and subsequent student protests.
Why the Task Force Was Set Up
The government constituted the task force under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) after the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak led to widespread student protests and questions over the NTA’s handling of large-scale competitive exams. Prime Minister Modi announced the panel’s formation on social media on July 26, 2026, describing it as a step toward making examinations more secure and trustworthy.
The task force has been asked to examine the full examination process, from question paper design and conduct to security, technology use and candidate grievance handling, and to recommend both immediate security measures and longer-term structural reforms.
Who Is on the Task Force
The panel is led by Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys and former chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Its other five members are:
- Dr S Somanath — former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- Tapan Deka — former director of the Intelligence Bureau
- Prof V Kamakoti — director of IIT Madras and a member of the National Security Advisory Board
- Anita Karwal — former Union education secretary and former CBSE chairperson
- Amrit Lal Meena — retired Bihar chief secretary and a 1989-batch IAS officer with a background in logistics and supply chain management
What Suggestions Are Being Sought
The task force is seeking input on a wide range of issues connected to public examinations, particularly those conducted by the NTA. These include exam security and prevention of malpractice, question paper design and assessment methods, use of technology such as computer-based testing, expansion of exam infrastructure, governance and accountability mechanisms, inclusion of candidates from diverse backgrounds, and grievance redressal systems. Suggestions on student well-being during the examination process are also invited.
Stakeholders eligible to respond include students, parents, teachers, academic institutions, examination bodies, state governments, subject-matter experts, technology professionals, industry bodies and civil society organisations.
How and Where to Submit Suggestions
Suggestions can be submitted by September 13, 2026, through any of the following official channels:
- Online portal: examreforms-taskforce.dopt.gov.in
- Email: ExamReformsTaskforce@dopt.gov.in
- Toll-free number: 1800-180-4747
- WhatsApp: Send the message “hptf” to +91 78270 42830
Submissions can be made in English, Hindi or regional languages, allowing stakeholders across the country to participate without a language barrier.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Task force constituted | July 26, 2026 |
| Deadline for public suggestions | September 13, 2026 |
Official Website and Important Links
- Task force suggestion portal: examreforms-taskforce.dopt.gov.in
- National Testing Agency: nta.ac.in
