New Delhi, July 27 (APAC Media): Nandan Nilekani will head a high-powered task force constituted to recommend comprehensive reforms to India’s examination system.
The announcement for task force formation was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, bringing together experts from technology, administration, education, space, artificial intelligence and internal security.
The committee comprises six eminent personalities who will help shape reforms in India’s examination ecosystem.
Nandan Nilekani – Technology Expert
Infosys Co-founder and Chairman Nandan Nilekani has been appointed to the task force as its technology expert.
Nilekani previously served as the founding Chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) with Cabinet rank and currently co-chairs the G20 Task Force on Digital Public Infrastructure.
He also headed the Technology Advisory Group for Unique Projects (TAGUP), which contributed to major digital governance initiatives, including GST.
He is an alumnus of IIT Bombay.
Amrit Lal Meena – Logistics Expert
Retired 1989-batch Bihar cadre IAS officer, Amrit Lal Meena has been inducted into the panel as the logistics expert.
Meena served as the Chief Secretary of Bihar from August 2024 to August 2025.
Earlier, he held key positions as Secretary, Ministry of Coal, and Special Secretary (Logistics) in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
He holds a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering.
Anita Karwal – Education Expert
Former Education Secretary Anita Karwal, a retired 1988-batch Gujarat cadre IAS officer, has been included for her extensive experience in education policy.
Karwal served as India’s Education Secretary from 2020 until her retirement in 2022 and earlier headed the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
She played a significant role in drafting the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and currently serves as Chairperson of the Gujarat Real Estate Regulatory Authority (GUJRERA).
Dr S. Somanath – Space & Science Expert
Former ISRO Chairman Dr S. Somanath has been inducted as the panel’s science and innovation expert.
During his tenure from 2022 to 2025, India achieved the successful Chandrayaan-3 Moon landing.
He also oversaw the operationalisation of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and advancements in the LVM3 launch vehicle.
A propulsion scientist by training, he joined the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in 1985.
Dr V. Kamakoti – AI & Research Expert
IIT Madras Director Dr V. Kamakoti has been appointed to bring expertise in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
A specialist in computer architecture, cybersecurity and AI, he led the development of India’s first indigenous microprocessor, Shakti.
He previously chaired the Artificial Intelligence Task Force constituted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and has been serving as Director of IIT Madras since 2022.
Tapan Deka – Security Expert
Former Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director Tapan Deka, a 1988-batch Himachal Pradesh cadre IPS officer, completes the six-member panel.
Deka headed the Intelligence Bureau for four years and is credited with strengthening intelligence coordination through the modernisation of the Multi Agency Centre (MAC).
During his career, he played a key role in counter-terrorism operations against organisations including the Indian Mujahideen and the Islamic State, while also contributing to anti-Maoist intelligence efforts.
The newly constituted task force is expected to recommend reforms aimed at strengthening India’s education system and preparing it for future technological, academic and governance challenges.
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