Rocket scientist, tech architect, and IIT director to reshape India's exam system

India has formed a high-profile task force to overhaul its troubled examination system, led by tech entrepreneur Nandan Nilekani and including a senior scientist from ISRO and a director from an Indian Institute of Technology. The move follows years of criticism over cheating scandals, paper leaks, and the overemphasis on rote learning in high-stakes tests like NEET and JEE. The panel is tasked with recommending reforms across the entire exam ecosystem, from school boards to competitive entrance exams. The government says the diverse expertise – combining technology, space research, and education – will help build a more transparent, secure, and fair assessment system. Nilekani's track record with the Aadhaar project is seen as key to introducing tech-based solutions. The ISRO scientist brings systems-thinking and data integrity, while the IIT director offers pedagogical insight. Students, parents, and educators have welcomed the initiative but await concrete proposals. The panel is expected to submit its recommendations within six months, with early priorities likely to include digitization of exam processes, anti-cheating technologies, and a shift toward continuous assessment.