Nilekani’s Blueprint to End Exam Paper Leaks: Massive Question Banks and Expanded Computer-Based Testing

Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani argued that a single, pre-set question paper creates a market for illegal sales. He advocated building a “massive bank of questions” from which a paper can be generated moments before an exam, removing the economic incentive for leaks. The proposal also envisions using artificial intelligence to assemble the paper on the day of the test.

Nandan Nilekani proposes AI-generated exam papers to prevent leaks, calls for wider computer-based testing Why do we need one question paper? Nandan Nilekani on preventing NEET paper leaks Business Standard (India)CNN-News18The Indian Express

In May 2026 the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) paper was leaked, prompting the cancellation of the May 3 exam and student protests that led to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a six-member high-powered task force on July 26 2026, chaired by Nilekani, to overhaul public examinations. The panel was formally constituted on July 27 and began meeting shortly thereafter.

Hindustan Times

• Testing locations: India has 150,000 sites for computer-based tests; the task force recommends expanding this network.

Last-minute question papers, more exam centres: Nandan Nilekani's plan to prevent NEET paper leaks

• Consultations: The panel received over 50,000 suggestions from students, parents, doctors’ associations, and bodies such as the National Testing Agency (NTA), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) and Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS).

The Indian ExpressNandan Nilekani proposes last-minute question papers to prevent exam leaks Last-minute question papers, more exam centres: Nandan Nilekani's plan to prevent NEET paper leaks CNN-News18

• Meetings held: Since July 28 the task force has conducted about 18 panel-level meetings and 40 consultative meetings.

The Indian Express

• Report deadline: The task force’s report on exam paper leaks is due on October 28.

The Indian Express

Nilekani emphasized that the proposals address “systemic issues” in India’s examination ecosystem and noted that Prime Minister Modi is “very keen to implement” the recommendations. Government officials have framed the reforms as a means to strengthen security, improve accessibility for remote and marginalized candidates, and shift examination ownership from private vendors to central or state authorities. A parliamentary committee on NTA reforms also called for at least one test centre in each district to reduce travel costs for students.

Nandan Nilekani Suggests Scrapping Traditional Exam Papers To Curb Leak

• “Why do we need to have a (one) question paper,” — Nandan Nilekani, Infosys co-founder

Hindustan Times

• “So, the way to solve this is to really have a massive bank of questions, and only at the last minute generate the question paper for that day, and therefore the question of ‘a’ question paper goes away, and there’s no economic incentive for that,” — Nandan Nilekani, Infosys co-founder

Nandan Nilekani proposes last-minute question papers to prevent exam leaks

• “These are all systemic issues which we will address in our committee. And the Prime Minister is very keen to implement our decisions,” — Nandan Nilekani, Infosys co-founder

CNBC TV18

The task force is expected to submit its final recommendations by the October 28 deadline. If adopted, the reforms would require:

Nandan Nilekani proposes last-minute question papers to prevent exam leaks

1. Development of a secure, digital question-bank infrastructure capable of AI-driven paper generation.

Nandan Nilekani’s vision to stop exam paper leaks puts AI and digital testing in focus

2. Expansion of computer-based testing centres beyond the existing 150,000 sites, especially in underserved districts.

The Indian Express

3. Transition of exam-centre ownership to government agencies to mitigate security lapses associated with private subcontractors.

The Indian Express

Implementation timelines, detailed technical safeguards, and budgetary allocations remain to be disclosed.

Nandan Nilekani proposes last-minute question papers to prevent exam leaks