Prime Minister Narendra Modi established a new task force to modernize India’s examination system. The panel will use technology and structural reforms. Experts from technology, space, intelligence, and education are part of the group. The goal is to strengthen public examinations nationwide.
Key Appointees and Expertise
Dr. S. Somanath, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), joins the task force. He led India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission. This mission achieved the first landing near the Moon’s south pole. Nandan Nilekani chairs the task force. Nilekani is a co-founder of Infosys and led the Aadhaar project.
Other members include Tapan Deka, former Intelligence Bureau Director. V. Kamakoti, IIT Madras Director, is also appointed. Anita Karwal, former Education Secretary, and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena complete the core group.
Dr. S. Somanath’s Contributions
Dr. Somanath served as ISRO Chairman from January 2022 to January 2025 . During his leadership, ISRO conducted major space missions. He oversaw the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission. This marked India’s historic lunar achievement.
Somanath also contributed to the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) program. He was involved in the Test Vehicle (TV) program. Under his guidance, ISRO performed the Reusable Launch Vehicle Landing Experiment (RLV-LEX). This experiment advanced reusable launch system technology.
Before ISRO Chairman, Somanath directed the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). He led programs there from 2018 to 2021 . This included work on air-breathing propulsion and the Chandrayaan-2 mission.
Somanath’s Current Ventures
Dr. Somanath recently joined the board of AgniKul Cosmos. This is a Chennai-based space technology startup. AgniKul Cosmos is preparing for Mission 02. The mission aims for orbital-class rocket recovery in India.
Somanath stated he believes AgniKul Cosmos has strong engineering. He noted its reusable upper-stage concept. Its indigenous semi-cryogenic propulsion system is also a key innovation. The 3D-printed engine is another notable development.
Educational Background
Dr. Somanath holds a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering. He earned this from TKM College of Engineering. He achieved a university rank in his undergraduate studies. He then earned a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. He studied at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. He received a gold medal for his academic performance there.
He also holds a PhD from IIT Madras. Dr. Somanath has received multiple honorary doctorates from various institutions. These include Centurion University and Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology.
