New Delhi, October 15: Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys and head of the high-powered task force formed to address the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, has proposed significant reforms to prevent future incidents. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum 2026, Nilekani emphasized the need for a question bank that would allow for the preparation of exam papers just hours before the test, thereby reducing the chances of leaks.
Following widespread protests by students on July 25 and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi established a six-member committee to tackle the issue. Nilekani stated, “When a paper is created, it is ready to be sold, indicating that the problem of paper leaks is not just a security issue but a systemic one.”
He suggested that the implementation of a large question bank, with papers generated at the last moment, could eliminate financial incentives for leaks. Nilekani also confirmed that artificial intelligence could be utilized to set exam papers, further enhancing security.
The task force’s recommendations differ significantly from the 101 suggestions made by previous committees. Although Nilekani did not disclose the full report, he mentioned that the Prime Minister is eager to implement their decisions.
However, Nilekani acknowledged the challenges of preparing papers a day in advance, noting that while digital formats could reduce physical leaks, they introduce new risks such as hacking and data theft. Additionally, ensuring the quality and fairness of a vast question bank presents a considerable challenge.
Strengthening the National Testing Agency (NTA) is also crucial, as the Supreme Court highlighted the need for stability within the organization. The task force has sought input from students, parents, teachers, and educational institutions, with the first report expected on October 28.
In light of the 2024 NEET paper leak, a high-level committee led by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan had previously proposed 101 recommendations focused on improving exam management and data security.