Aspiration to Reality

 Aspiration to Reality

The appointment of Mr. Nandan Nilekani as Head of the High-Powered Task Force to overhaul India’s examination system has generated hope across the nation. His proven record — from co-founding Infosys to architecting Aadhaar — assures us of his ability to lead with vision and integrity. Yet, as the committee begins its work, several pressing concerns demand attention.

Revisiting Past Recommendations

An earlier seven-member High-Level Committee, headed by former ISRO Chief K. Radhakrishnan and comprising stalwarts such as directors of IITs, IIMs, and NITs, vice-chancellors of JNU and IGNOU, and a former UPSC chairman, submitted its report titled 'The Reformation of National Common Entrance Testing in India' in October 2024, and offered valuable suggestions.

• How many of those recommendations were adopted?
• Are they still relevant today?

Revisiting them would prevent duplication and ensure continuity.

The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 is now in force to curb misconduct in public examinations and common entrance tests across the country. Administrators should showcase how many culprits have been caught and punished under this law so far.

The Real Challenge: Implementation

India’s heterogeneous demography and varied geography make implementation far more difficult than planning. Citizens often follow rules only under compulsion or fear of punishment.

In recent NEET examinations, malpractice cases surfaced, yet few culprits were caught or punished. Without visible accountability, reforms remain paper-bound.

What is needed is the selection of capable and committed personnel, rigorous training, and the building of a robust system that institutionalises the cycle of design → develop → implement → evaluate, connected by feedback loops.

To protect the integrity of examinations, responsibility must be entrusted not merely to the qualified but to those tested and proven reliable.

Accountability Must Begin at the Top

Accountability is inseparable from responsibility. Those who shoulder the responsibility of conducting examinations must also be held accountable for any lapse.

The credibility of examination systems like NEET depends on visible justice. Offenders must be punished — and seen to be punished. Accountability should be top-down: severe action against high-ranking officials who fail in their duties will send a strong deterrent signal. Strong actions against both direct culprits and negligent administrators must be showcased.

Nilekani’s Stature and Missed Opportunity

Mr. Nilekani has already passed the test of “Who you are?” years ago. He built Infosys, handed over leadership gracefully, and spearheaded Aadhaar — a project of national significance.

Yet, when he sought to enter Parliament, the people defeated him. That is the beauty of democracy — we respect its verdict. But Parliament, the very place where laws are enacted and national priorities debated, lost the chance to benefit from his vision.

Hope to see Nandan Nilekani and leaders of his calibre in the Rajya Sabha, serving the nation with vision and integrity.

Closing Note

Reform is not only about designing systems but about proving reliability through action. Committees must include not just thinkers and planners, but also those who will implement outcomes on the ground — or at the very least, take valuable suggestions from implementers. Only then will NEET reforms move from aspiration to reality.

Dr. Mahendra Ingale @  Pune on July 27, 2026
Author of Value‑Based Leadership

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