NEW DELHI — The central government is weighing sweeping changes to the conduct of competitive examinations across India, including a plan to assemble question papers immediately before tests begin rather than finalising them days in advance. Under the proposed framework, an artificial intelligence system would select questions at the last minute from an extensive, pre-screened question bank, sharply narrowing the window during which papers could be accessed, stolen, or circulated. The measures are being evaluated by a high-level committee appointed to reform the national examination architecture following controversies surrounding paper leaks.
Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, who chairs the panel, outlined the potential overhaul at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum 2026. Addressing vulnerabilities in current testing protocols, Nilekani noted that setting complete question papers well ahead of schedule creates significant security risks. The committee is examining whether these static papers can be replaced with dynamic digital assembly, ensuring that questions are drawn shortly before candidates sit for an exam while preserving balanced difficulty levels and standard evaluation standards across testing sessions.
On-Demand Assembly to Eliminate Security Lapses
Under the system under review, subject experts would contribute to a secure, centralised question repository over time. Advanced algorithms and AI tools would then select and compile the final examination set moments prior to the scheduled start time. Proponents of the reform argue that this approach substantially limits the human chain of custody, which has historically proved vulnerable to unauthorised access and commercial exploitation.
Implementation will depend on the final recommendations submitted by the Nilekani panel and formal clearance from the central government. Officials are scrutinising practical safeguards, focusing on whether automated selection can consistently guarantee uniform difficulty, prevent syllabus imbalances, and withstand technical disruptions during nationwide testing cycles.
Expanding Infrastructure for Computer-Based Testing
Alongside paper assembly reforms, the committee is studying a nationwide expansion of computer-based examinations. Nilekani indicated that India currently has roughly 150,000 testing centres, but scaling up secure digital testing will require substantial investment in technological infrastructure and site readiness.
Expanding the digital footprint is viewed as an essential prerequisite for moving away from physical paper transit entirely. However, committee members are assessing regional infrastructure disparities to ensure candidates across smaller towns and rural districts retain equitable access to certified, glitch-free testing facilities.
Panel Review Follows National Paper Leak Controversies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of the high-level reform committee on July 26, leading to its formal notification on July 28 after widespread public concern over the NEET UG 2026 question paper leak. The panel was mandated to audit systemic procedural lapses and establish foolproof administrative protocols for future entrance exams.
Nilekani indicated that the committee expects to submit its conclusive report within three months of its constitution, adding that the central leadership is intent on executing actionable safeguards swiftly. During his address, Nilekani also dismissed broader apprehensions regarding artificial intelligence within the information technology sector, arguing that expanding AI adoption will increase demand for sophisticated engineering, project management, and institutional security services rather than eliminating jobs.
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