Nandan Nilekani Proposes Scrapping Traditional Exam Papers in India

Exam reform panel chair Nandan Nilekani proposed scrapping traditional question papers in India to remove the economic incentive for leaks. Speaking at Bloomberg’s New Economy Forum in New Delhi, Nilekani suggested creating a vast digital bank of questions to generate papers shortly before exams and transitioning to a network of computer-based testing centers.

Nilekani noted that approximately 150,000 locations across India could support this computer-based system. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen to implement the panel's suggestions.

Prime Minister Modi appointed Nilekani to lead the high-powered panel in July. The move followed widespread paper leaks that triggered massive student protests and resulted in the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.