New Delhi | 28 Aug 2026
The Nandan Nilekani-led High-Powered Task Force on examination reforms has invited students, parents, teachers, institutions, examination bodies, experts and other stakeholders to submit suggestions by 13 September 2026 on making India’s public examinations more secure, transparent, equitable and accountable. The exercise covers examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and comes amid heightened scrutiny of examination security and malpractice. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Nandan Nilekani task force opens nationwide consultation
The Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions said the task force is examining comprehensive reforms relating to the conduct, security, design and governance of public examinations. Its mandate also includes strengthening institutional systems, improving examination infrastructure, deploying appropriate technology and protecting student well-being. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
The consultation is open to students and candidates, parents, teachers and academic institutions, examination-conducting bodies, subject experts, technology professionals, industry organisations, civil society groups and other interested stakeholders. Submissions can be made in English, Hindi and regional languages. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Exam security, technology and accountability among key focus areas
The task force has identified 10 broad areas for public feedback. These include examination security, assessment methodology, governance and accountability, prevention and detection of malpractices, grievance redressal and the use of technology, including secure computer-based testing. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
It is also seeking proposals for expanding examination infrastructure and improving access for candidates across different social, economic, regional and linguistic groups. Transparency between examination authorities and candidates, effective communication and measures to reduce stress during the examination process are also part of the review. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
The consultation comes against the backdrop of student protests and concerns over alleged paper leaks and other irregularities in competitive examinations. The government announced the creation of the high-powered task force under Nilekani’s leadership on 26 July 2026, saying it would focus on examination reforms. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Reports on the panel’s work indicate that it is also examining measures that could affect the 2027 examination cycle, including greater use of computer-based testing and stronger government-backed testing infrastructure. Such proposals remain under consideration and would require government acceptance before implementation. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Stakeholders can submit their recommendations through the official examination reforms portal at examreforms-taskforce.dopt.gov.in. The government has also provided the toll-free number 1800-180-4747, WhatsApp number +91 78270 42830 by sending “hptf”, and the email address ExamReformsTaskforce@dopt.gov.in. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
The deadline is 13 September 2026. The government said feedback received through the consultation will be used by the task force while preparing its recommendations on the future structure, security and governance of India’s public examination system. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
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