Who Are the Experts in PM Modi's NTA Reform Task Force? Full List of Members Inside

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a video message on his X handle today announcing the official constitution of a high-powered, multidisciplinary task force aimed at completely overhauling the National Testing Agency (NTA). The announcement comes in the immediate aftermath of a 36-day nationwide student agitation led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, which recently concluded after the Centre agreed to key demands and accepted a five-point charter on examination reforms.

Why the Government Constituted the Reform Panel

The central government formed this high-level task force to directly address severe operational flaws, question paper leaks, and administrative irregularities that plagued major national entrance tests like NEET-UG. With public confidence in competitive examinations severely shaken, the administration recognized that piecemeal fixes were insufficient. PM Narendra Modi Constitutes High-Powered Task Force Under Nandan Nilekani to Overhaul India's Exam System.

The committee has been tasked with rebuilding trust in the national examination architecture, identifying system vulnerabilities, eliminating political and third-party vendor interference, and instituting foolproof mechanisms against cyber threats and paper leaks.

Multidisciplinary Panel of Experts Formed

The task force brings together prominent leaders across technology, national security, administration, and space research. Tech pioneer Nandan Nilekani will lead the technological revamp, joined by former ISRO Chairman S. Somnath and former Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka. Other key members include Director of IIT Madras V. Kamakoti, former Education Secretary Anita Karwal, and logistics specialist Amrit Lal Meena. The diverse composition is designed to address examination vulnerabilities from every operational angle, ranging from digital security to supply chain logistics.

Focus on Technological Safeguards and Structural Reform

In his video address, PM Modi emphasized that the country’s examination architecture must adapt to modern challenges by becoming transparent and heavily reliant on advanced technology. The panel will evaluate existing testing protocols, assess digital infrastructure, and institute safeguards against question paper leaks, cyber vulnerabilities, and administrative lapses. Beyond digital upgrades, the task force will recommend structural changes within the NTA. This includes redefining operational responsibilities, reducing reliance on external vendors, and creating strict monitoring mechanisms across every stage of national entrance tests. Who Is Nandan Nilekani? Meet the Infosys Co-Founder Heading India's New Exam Reform Task Force.

High-Powered Task Force Constituted to Revamp NTA Examination System

Context Amid CJP Agitation and Education Minister's Exit

The government's decision follows high-voltage protests organized by the CJP at Jantar Mantar, which saw mass demonstrations, hunger strikes, and intense political scrutiny. The agitation resulted in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and subsequent high-level talks between government interlocutors and student representatives. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to aspiring students, PM Modi stated that strict legal measures and fast-track procedures are being enforced to penalize paper-leak syndicates, with the new task force set to deliver the long-term blueprint for India's national testing system.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 26, 2026 08:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).