Last-minute exam papers can deter leaks: Infosys founder Nilekani

Nandan Nilekali, co-founder of Infosys, has suggested that preparing examination question papers at the last minute could serve as an effective deterrent against paper leaks, a persistent challenge in India's education system. Speaking on the issue of examination security, Nilekani emphasized that reducing advance preparation time for papers would minimize opportunities for unauthorized circulation before tests commence.

The proposal comes against the backdrop of recurring incidents of leaked question papers in competitive and board examinations across the country, which have undermined the credibility of assessments and disadvantaged honest candidates. By compressing the timeline for paper preparation, Nilekani argued, examination boards could significantly reduce the window during which papers remain vulnerable to interception or leakage.

Beyond immediate preventive measures, Nilekani advocated for a broader technological overhaul of India's examination infrastructure. He stressed the need to expand computer-based testing (CBT) systems across educational institutions and examination centers nationwide, a shift that would enhance security, reduce logistical complexities, and enable real-time monitoring of test administration.

The Infosys leader's recommendations align with ongoing efforts by examination bodies and policymakers to modernize India's assessment mechanisms. Experts have noted that digitalization of testing, combined with procedural safeguards like last-minute paper creation, could create multiple layers of protection against fraud while improving overall examination management and accessibility for candidates across the country.