Nandan Nilekani Proposes AI-Generated Question Papers To Curb Exam Leaks; Calls For Computer-Based Tests

New Delhi: Infosys co-founder and former UIDAI chairman Nandan Nilekani has proposed a major overhaul of India’s examination system, suggesting that artificial intelligence (AI) be used to generate question papers on the day of an examination to prevent paper leaks and cheating.

Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, Nilekani said the current system creates financial incentives for question paper leaks. He suggested building a large repository of questions and using AI to generate the final question paper at the last minute on the day of the examination.

“Question papers create an economic incentive for them to be sold,” Nilekani said, explaining that generating papers at the last minute could eliminate the concept of a single, predetermined question paper and reduce the incentive to leak it.

He also emphasised the urgent need to transition to computer-based testing (CBT) across the country. According to Nilekani, India needs to expand its network of examination centres to support such a shift.

“The other big thing is to make sure that all exams are computer-based, for which you need a network of centres. Today, we have 1,50,000 examination centres. We need to expand this,” he said.

Nilekani is heading a committee tasked with recommending systemic reforms following concerns over the NEET question paper leak. He expressed optimism about the government’s support for implementing the proposed changes.

“These are all systemic issues, and our committee will address them. The Prime Minister is very keen on implementing our recommendations,” he said.

Asked whether AI could autonomously generate examination question papers on the day of the test in the future, Nilekani responded affirmatively.

The proposals come amid continuing concerns over examination integrity, question paper leaks and the need for greater transparency in India’s competitive examination system. The suggested measures aim to reduce opportunities for malpractice while modernising the process of conducting examinations.

The eighth edition of the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, hosted in India, brings together more than 500 influential leaders from the public and private sectors worldwide.

Held under the theme ‘A World in Play: Defining the New Levers of Power’, the forum focuses on the changing geopolitical landscape, emerging challenges and opportunities, and strategies for achieving future prosperity through global cooperation and the exchange of ideas.