PM Modi announces task force on exam reforms, appoints Infosys’ Nandan Nilekani to head panel
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the formation of a high-powered task force on examination reforms, appointing Infosys co-founder and non-executive chairman Nandan Nilekani to head the panel. The move comes amid growing concerns over examination paper leaks and follows the government's decision to strengthen legal provisions against exam-related fraud.
In a video message shared on social media, Modi said the government was committed to making India's examination system transparent, credible and technology-driven.
He said the government would introduce a new law to ensure that those involved in paper leaks and examination fraud face the strictest punishment.
Announcing the new panel, the Prime Minister said a high-powered task force had been constituted to focus on examination reforms and that its recommendations would be implemented to strengthen the integrity and transparency of future examinations.
Modi said the reforms were aimed at restoring students' confidence in the examination process, adding that the government was working to ensure students could take examinations with confidence and trust in the system.
Earlier this week, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved draft amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, proposing significantly stricter penalties for those involved in examination paper leaks.
The proposed Bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament on Monday. It seeks to enhance the punishment for individuals and organised syndicates involved in examination fraud.
Under the proposed amendments, those convicted of leaking examination papers could face a minimum prison term of five years, along with financial penalties. In cases involving organised paper leak rackets, the punishment could extend to 10 years' imprisonment and fines of up to ₹10 crore.
The existing law provides for imprisonment ranging from three to five years for individuals involved in paper leaks, while organised cheating syndicates can currently face five to 10 years' imprisonment and a minimum fine of ₹1 crore.
Officials said the amendments are intended to deter organised criminal networks and institutions that profit from examination fraud while ensuring that genuine candidates are not penalised.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, came into force in June 2024 to curb unfair practices in recruitment and entrance examinations, including tests conducted by UPSC and SSC, as well as entrance examinations such as NEET, JEE and CUET. The proposed amendments, along with the newly constituted task force, are expected to further strengthen the integrity and transparency of India's public examination system.