High-Powered Task Force invites suggestions for reforms in public examinations

What happened: Government launches public consultation for public examination reforms

The Government of India has constituted a High-Powered Task Force (HPTF) with Shri Nandan Nilekani as Chairman to examine and recommend comprehensive reforms for public examinations. The reforms cover examination conduct, security, design and governance, including examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The HPTF invited suggestions from stakeholders on strengthening institutional systems and processes, ensuring examination integrity and security, deploying appropriate technologies, augmenting examination infrastructure, promoting accessibility and inclusion, and safeguarding student well-being. The Task Force aims to develop a public examination system that is secure, transparent, equitable and future-ready.

Stakeholder suggestions are requested from the following groups: students and candidates; parents; teachers and academic institutions; examination-conducting and test-indenting bodies; subject matter experts and technology professionals; industry organisations; civil society organisations; and other interested stakeholders.

The government has announced a public consultation deadline of 13 September 2026 and provides multiple submission channels, including a dedicated portal managed under the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT). Submissions may be made in English, Hindi and regional languages.

Suggestive areas for suggestions (focus areas for exam governance and integrity)