After the NEET-UG 2026 controversy, PM Modi has announced a task force for examination reforms. This committee, headed by Nandan Nilekani, will report on making the examinations transparent and reliable through the use of technology. Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned.
A day after Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation amid nationwide protests over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in NEET-UG 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the formation of a high-powered task force on exam reforms under the leadership of technology expert Nandan Nilekani. PM Modi said the task force will submit a report and he stressed the need for a “trustworthy” and “transparent” examination system with greater use of technology. In a video message on Twitter, the Prime Minister said, “The Government of India is continuously taking various measures for the future of the students. Those who are playing with the future of the students are rotting in jail. We have already established fast-track courts. We are also moving towards making a new law in the Parliament which includes stringent legal provisions. However, we have to look towards the future. Our examination system must be reliable and transparent, and it must make maximum use of technology.”
He further said, “Keeping all these factors in mind, we have decided to constitute a high-powered task force under the leadership of world renowned technology expert Nandan Nilekani. This task force will focus on examination reforms, and based on its report, steps will be taken to ensure the credibility of the upcoming examinations at the earliest.”
Many big names are included in the task force
The task force will consist of a multidisciplinary group of experts tasked with suggesting measures to improve the examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), with a focus on technology integration and structural reforms. Other members of the high-powered task force include former ISRO chairman S Somnath, former Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, IIT Madras director V Kamakoti, former education secretary Anita Karwal and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena.
Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation was one of the key demands of the protesters, while opposition parties had repeatedly raised the issue in Parliament.
Prahlad Joshi took additional charge of Education Ministry
Meanwhile, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi assumed additional charge of the Education Ministry in New Delhi on Sunday and said he has started reviewing the functioning of the ministry and held meetings with senior officials. Speaking to ANI, Joshi said, “The Prime Minister has entrusted me with this responsibility with full confidence. I was in Karnataka yesterday. I reached here last night and came to take charge this morning. I have taken charge. I am here reviewing all the details and considering the decisions that have to be taken. I am gathering information and trying to understand the functioning of the entire ministry.”
He further said, “We had frequent meetings today. This is a new topic for me. I have taken charge today and had detailed discussions with senior officials. It is a very big department, so I will talk to you in detail after understanding it completely.” (ANI)
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