Nandan Nilekani to Lead PM Modi's Task Force on Exam Reforms

Nandan Nilekani, the co-founder of Infosys and a well-known figure in India's technology sector, has been appointed by the Union government to head a high-powered task force aimed at reforming the country's examination system. The announcement was made on Sunday, July 26, 2026, marking a new chapter in Nilekani's transition from the private sector to public service.

Nilekani, born on June 2, 1955, in Bengaluru, holds a degree in electrical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. In 1981, he joined N.R. Narayana Murthy and five others to establish Infosys, leaving his job at Patni Computer Systems. Over the years, he played a pivotal role in the company's growth, serving as Managing Director, President, Chief Operating Officer, and later as CEO from 2002 to 2007. Under his leadership, Infosys expanded globally and became a symbol of India's IT prowess. He also served as Non-Executive Chairman of the board in 2017.

Beyond Infosys, Nilekani has been deeply involved in public policy and governance. He was the chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) from 2009 to 2014, overseeing the implementation of Aadhaar, the world's largest biometric identification system. He also served as the chairman of the National Institute for Transforming India (NITI Aayog's) panel on innovation and entrepreneurship. His experience in technology and large-scale systems makes him a suitable choice to lead the task force on exam reforms.

The task force is expected to address issues such as paper leaks, cheating, and the overall fairness and transparency of entrance examinations. The government has faced criticism in recent years over irregularities in exams like NEET and UGC-NET. The task force will likely propose recommendations to streamline processes and leverage technology to prevent malpractices.

Nilekani's appointment has been welcomed by various sectors, with many citing his track record in implementing complex projects like Aadhaar. However, some critics have raised concerns about the influence of private sector individuals in public policy. The task force is expected to submit its report within three months.