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India's Modi announces task force for exam reforms, led by Infosys co-founder Nilekani
Nilekani also has a background in politics; he ran as Congress candidate from Bangalore South constituency for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, but lost to BJP candidate Ananth Kumar
- PUBLISHED: Sun 26 Jul 2026, 6:38 PM UPDATED: Sun 26 Jul 2026, 7:22 PM
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a "high-powered" task force for examination reforms, and to integrate tech into exams. In a recorded video on social media, he said the task force would be led by tech expert Nandan Nilekani.
Nilekani co-founded Infosys, and is currently the tech giant's non-executive Chairman. He also has a background in politics; Nilekani joined the Congress Party in 2014, and ran as the candidate from Karnataka's Bangalore South constituency for the Lok Sabha elections in the same year. However he lost out to Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Ananth Kumar.
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Nilekani is also the founder and first chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), widely credited with spearheading the Aadhaar card, India's biometric ID system, which is also the world's largest.
The formation of the task force comes after widespread Gen Z-led protests over the Neet paper leak in India, with youth spurred to action by a call from the satirical Cockroach Janta Party.
The task force will focus on examination reforms, and based on its report, steps will be taken to ensure the credibility of upcoming examinations, Modi said.
Actions taken after CJP-led Gen Z Neet protests in India
Thousands of Indian youth anguished by Neet paper leak took to the streets at Jantar Mantar since June. On June 28, leading Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk also undertook a hunger strike in solidarity with Indian students. He ended the hunger strike on July 23 after 26 days of fasting.
On July 20, the CJP called for a march to Parliament, arguably the most pivotal day of the protests. AFP images and videos showed students were baton-charged, and police dispersed tear gas. While the demonstrators were unable to reach Parliament, the movement sparked solidarity protests in other states.
The protests continued till July 25, when CJP's three main demands were met. During the course of the demonstrations, here are all the actions that were taken:
July 23
Modi announces "fast-track" courts to prosecute those behind exam paper leaks
India's Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi transferred; two new secretaries appointed — Naresh Pal Gangwar as the Higher Education Secretary, T K Anil Kumar as Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy
July 24
India's Cabinet approved amendments to the 'Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act 2024'
India's National Testing Agency terminates 47 officials from service
Delhi Police said it constituted a Special Task Force (STF) to investigate paper leaks and other examination-related offences
July 25
India's Education Minister Dharmandra Pradhan submits resignation
New Indian Education Minister Pralhad Joshi is appointed
CJP two other demands also met: Government agrees not to register police cases against protestors, grant "honorary compensation" to families of Neet paper leak victims
Government agrees to discuss 5-point charter presented by CJP, outlining broader educational reforms
July 26
Modi announces the formation of a 'high-powered' task force for exam reforms, to be led by Nandan Nilekani
Poojaraj Maniyeri is a Digital Journalist who loves turning everyday conversations into news stories. She is also a typical bookworm, and brings a novel with her everywhere she goes.