Government extends exam reform panel tenure through January 2027

The Centre has granted an extended timeline to the examination reform task force headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, pushing the submission deadline to January 2027. The committee was originally expected to complete its work by October 2027.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi constituted the six-member task force in July this year, a day after Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down as Union education minister amid significant student agitation at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The panel was tasked with reviewing the country's examination system and recommending comprehensive reforms.

Since its formation, the task force has conducted wide-ranging consultations with multiple stakeholders. It has received over 50,000 suggestions from students, parents, teachers, academic institutions, subject matter experts, industry organisations, and examination-conducting bodies. The government submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court detailing the progress achieved by the panel thus far.

The committee has also engaged with subject matter experts, including former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan, as part of its comprehensive review process. The extended timeline is expected to enable the panel to synthesise the extensive feedback received and develop detailed, evidence-based recommendations for overhauling India's examination framework.