Centre extends Nandan Nilekani-led exam reform panel tenure to January 2027
The six-member task force will consult chief ministers and chief secretaries before finalising its recommendations.
The Centre has extended the deadline for the Nandan Nilekani-led task force on examination reforms until January 2027, according to reports by The Times of India and Deccan Herald. The six-member committee was formed in July following controversies surrounding the NEET-UG exam.
The Prime Minister's Office is seeking consultations with chief ministers and chief secretaries to understand regional challenges regarding connectivity, administrative preparedness and testing infrastructure. This follows the panel's previous expectation to submit a report by the end of October.
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 has received over 50,000 suggestions from various stakeholders, including students, parents and academic institutions.
Proposed reforms include 'debundling' exam responsibilities by assigning question-paper setting, conduct, management and security to separate agencies. The panel is also considering a nationwide network of computer-based testing centres and a common exam calendar for the NTA, SSC, IBPS and Railway Recruitment Boards.
The committee has consulted former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan, who previously headed a panel following the 2024 NEET paper leak. The government has also submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court detailing the progress made by the task force so far.