Generate questions at last minute to prevent paper leaks: Nilekani

NEW DELHI: Question papers for high-stakes entrance examinations could be generated at the last minute from a massive bank of questions instead of being prepared and stored in advance, as part of a technology-driven overhaul to prevent leaks, Nandan Nilekani, chairperson of the high-powered task force on examination reforms, said on Tuesday. He also said PM Modi was keen to implement the panel's recommendations. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum 2026 in Delhi, the Infosys chairperson questioned the need for a fixed question paper, arguing that its existence created an economic incentive for theft and sale. "Why do we need to have something called a question paper? Because the moment you have a question paper, that creates an economic incentive for that to be sold," Nilekani said. He suggested creating a massive question bank from which the paper would be assembled just before the examination. This, he said, would eliminate the incentive for advance leaks.Nilekani: Need to expand comp-based testing infrastructure Asked whether artificial intelligence could generate papers on examination day, Nandan Nilekani, replied, "Yeah, sure." The proposal comes as the six-member task force prepares to submit its report later this month, following extensive consultations on examination security, technology and governance. TOI reported on Oct 1 that the panel was prioritising "debundling" examination responsibilities by separating question-paper setting, exam conduct, test-centre management and security among different agencies. The restructuring seeks to reduce concentration of control over exams. A common calendar for major recruitment and entrance tests is also under consideration. Earlier, on Sept 16, TOI reported that multiple attempts at high-stakes entrance examinations and better-equipped, secure testing centres were among the prominent suggestions received by the task force. The recommendations included reliable electricity, internet connectivity, biometric verification and CCTV surveillance. He also stressed expanding computer-based testing infrastructure. He said the existing network of around 1.5 lakh testing locations needed to grow to accommodate a wider shift towards computer-based examinations.

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"If you look at it systematically and go to root causes of why it's happening and use technology to solve it... they are solvable issues," he said. Constituted on July 26 following the NEET-UG controversy and the student protests, the task force has held around 18 panel meetings and 40 consultations. It has received over 50,000 suggestions from students, parents, professional associations and examination bodies.

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