NTA exam reforms: Nilekani-led panel consults former Isro chief K Radhakrishnan

Former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan has been consulted by the Nandan Nilekani-led task force as it reviews reforms to the NTA examination system following the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. The panel is also reviewing earlier recommendations on exam security and NTA reforms.NTA exam reforms: Nilekani-led panel consults former Isro chief K Radhakrishnan (AI generated image)New Delhi,Sep 28, 2026 16:16 ISTIn a move to strengthen the examination system, the Nandan Nilekani-led task force has consulted former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan as it reviews measures to strengthen the National Testing Agency (NTA) and improve its examination processes following the NEET UG paper leak controversy.Radhakrishnan had headed the committee constituted by the Centre after the 2024 NEET-UG paper leak to examine gaps in examination security and recommend reforms for the NTA.The task force is currently consulting stakeholders and examining earlier recommendations on exam security, data protection, technology and the functioning of the NTA.NILEKANI TASK FORCE SEEKS STAKEHOLDER INPUTSThe task force, constituted in July, is consulting a wide range of stakeholders as it prepares recommendations for comprehensive reforms in the examination system. The consultation process covers students, parents, teachers, academic institutions, subject-matter experts, industry organisations and examination-conducting bodies. Suggestions have also been invited from stakeholders on measures to strengthen the examination process.The panel has held discussions with senior officials of the NTA and the Department of Higher Education. Technology and digital security are expected to be important components of the reforms being considered by the task force. "The High-Powered Task Force (HPTF) was set up under the chairmanship of Nandan Nilekani, former chairman, UIDAI, to study and recommend comprehensive reforms in the examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The HPTF is reviewing the exam processes and will recommend reforms to make the examination system robust, secure, transparent, trustworthy and future-ready," a senior official told PTI.WHO ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE NILEKANI PANEL?Besides Nandan Nilekani, the task force includes former ISRO chairman S Somanath, former Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti, former education secretary Anita Karwal and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena.The panel is examining the use of technology and other measures to strengthen examination systems and improve their security and reliability.RADHAKRISHNAN COMMITTEE GAVE 101 RECOMMENDATIONSThe Radhakrishnan Committee was constituted in June 2024 following the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. It submitted its recommendations to the government in October 2024.The Centre later constituted a High Powered Steering Committee (HPSC), also headed by Radhakrishnan, to monitor the implementation of the recommendations. The seven-member Radhakrishnan Committee proposed 101 recommendations covering examination reforms, data security and the structure and functioning of the NTA.The recommendations included stronger security controls across critical examination systems, including question paper management, candidate registration, fee payment, admit cards, computer-based testing, OMR processing, normalisation and result systems.The committee also recommended restructuring the NTA and suggested that its role be restricted to higher education entrance examinations. It further called for improvements in the agency's governance, security architecture and digital infrastructure.NEET CONTROVERSY RENEWED FOCUS ON EXAM SECURITYThe Ministry of Education had been working on implementing the recommendations of the Radhakrishnan Committee when another controversy surrounding the medical entrance examination NEET-UG intensified scrutiny of the examination system.The developments triggered widespread protests and renewed concerns over the security and credibility of national-level entrance examinations.The Supreme Court also criticised the NTA over its handling of examination-related issues, observing that the agency had not learnt from its earlier experience.The latest Nilekani-led exercise is examining the previous recommendations as well as additional measures that could strengthen the country's examination infrastructure.TASK FORCE YET TO SUBMIT REPORTThe government announced the formation of the high-powered task force under the chairmanship of Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani following the latest NEET controversy.The panel has been tasked with recommending comprehensive reforms for examinations conducted by the NTA, with a focus on improving security, transparency and reliability and preventing paper leaks and other forms of malpractice.The task force is also examining how emerging technologies can be used to strengthen examination processes and protect critical systems. The panel is yet to submit its final report, with its recommendations expected to focus on strengthening the security, transparency and reliability of NTA examinations.(With inputs from PTI)- Ends