NEET paper leaks: Nilekani suggests last-minute question papers, expanded computer tests

In short

Nandan Nilekani suggested generating question papers from a large bank at the last minute for examinations.
He affirmed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could generate exam papers on the day of the test.
Nilekani stressed the need to expand the network of 150,000 computer-based testing locations across India.
The Prime Minister is keen to implement the recommendations of Nilekani's committee, set up in July 2026.
These proposals follow the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, which led to the exam's cancellation and student protests.

Nandan Nilekani, who chairs a high-powered task force on exam reforms, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, suggested generating question papers at the last minute from a large question bank and expanding computer-based testing to prevent examination paper leaks. These reforms aim to address concerns over examination integrity, particularly following allegations surrounding the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

The proposals were made at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi, amidst a broader government effort to rebuild confidence in India’s examination system. The Prime Minister has expressed keenness to start using the recommendations of Nilekani’s committee, which was established in July 2026.

Last-Minute Question Paper Generation and AI

Nilekani proposed a system where question papers would be generated only at the last minute from an extensive question bank. He stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be used to generate exam papers on the day of the test itself. This approach, if you look at Nilekani, would remove the economic incentive for question papers to be sold, as a specific paper would not exist in advance.

“Question papers create an economic incentive for them to be sold. 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. That’s one way to think about how to solve this,” Nilekani stated at the forum.

Expansion of Computer-Based Testing

Another key recommendation from Nilekani was the transition towards computer-based testing (CBT) for all examinations. He highlighted that India currently has 150,000 locations where students can take computer-based tests, but stressed the need to expand this network significantly to accommodate all examinations.

The Supreme Court had indicated on Monday, July 27, 2026, that it would seek suggestions from Nilekani’s task force specifically on transitioning NEET-UG to a computer-based test. Justice Narasimha of the Supreme Court had also raised concerns about securing data and encrypting question papers if examinations were digitised.

Context of Recent Paper Leaks and Government Response

The proposals come in the wake of widespread concerns over examination integrity, particularly after the NEET-UG 2026 question paper leak in May. This incident led to the cancellation of the medical entrance exam, a re-test, and weeks of student protests across the country. The protests culminated in the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday, July 25, 2026, with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi assuming charge as the new Education Minister on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Reacting to the growing issue of paper leaks, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, has been introduced. This bill proposes tougher action against paper leak rackets, including penalties of up to Rs 10 crore and increasing imprisonment for unfair means from three to five years to five to 10 years. It also seeks to enhance the maximum fine from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced the setting up of fast-track courts to deal with offences linked to public examinations on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Composition of the Task Force

The high-powered task force on exam reforms, established in July 2026, is chaired by Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys. Its members include former ISRO chairman S. Somanath, former Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, and IIT Madras director V. Kamakoti. The committee also comprises former Education Secretary Anita Karwal and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena.

This task force was formed to systematically address the root causes of examination leaks and use technology for solutions. The Prime Minister has expressed keenness to put in place the recommendations of Nilekani’s committee, which aims to rebuild confidence in India’s examination system following incidents like the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.