India Forms Exam Reform Task Force After Youth Protests Over Paper Leaks

July 27, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

India has launched a review of its examination system after weeks of youth-led protests over leaked exam papers, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi appointing technology entrepreneur Nandan Nilekani to lead a task force tasked with recommending reforms. The government will also introduce new legislation in parliament aimed at strengthening action against examination fraud, including tougher penalties for individuals involved in leaking question papers, Modi said.

“Our examination system should be trustworthy, should be transparent and the system should make maximum use of technology,” Modi said in a statement posted on Instagram. The move follows the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday, after student activists demanded accountability over exam paper leaks reported in May.

The youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement, which organised demonstrations for several weeks, suspended its protests after the government accepted its demands for changes to the examination process. As part of the response, authorities agreed to withdraw police cases filed against protesters and provide compensation to families of students who died by suicide following the exam paper leak incidents.

The task force will examine ways to improve examination security and transparency as India seeks to restore confidence in a system used by millions of students competing for education and employment opportunities.

Source: FSX Business News