Project Udaan: A Global Framework for Exam Integrity and Talent Retention

 The integrity of examination systems is critical to sustaining meritocracy, economic stability, and global workforce mobility. Across the world, paper leaks and examination fraud undermine trust, leading to talent migration, lost human capital, and economic inefficiencies (UNESCO, 2021; OECD, 2022). Project Udaan introduces a globally adaptable, AI-blockchain-integrated framework to eliminate examination leaks, restore faith in merit-based systems, and empower bureaucratic institutions (Chen et al., 2018; Li & Wang, 2021). The framework fosters accountability by leveraging decentralized governance, smart contract auditing, and an incentive-based adoption model while safeguarding legacy bureaucratic structures (O’Leary, 2017; Bauer & Knill, 2012). Case studies from diverse regions highlight the problem’s ubiquity and solutions that have successfully mitigated paper leaks (World Economic Forum, 2022). The projected impact includes talent retention, enhanced global collaboration, reduced involvement in illegal activities, and emerging employment opportunities in the governance-tech sector (Bhardwaj & Kalia, 2021; Dwivedi et al., 2021). Additionally, the framework integrates Southeast Asian perspectives, linking with the Philippines’ ongoing e-governance initiatives and other regional digital transformations (ASEAN Digital Reports, 2023).