The Centre introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, proposing stricter penalties, fast-track courts, and stronger measures against paper leaks and examination fraud to safeguard students and ensure transparency in public examinations.
The Central government on Monday introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, aiming to further strengthen the legal framework against paper leaks and examination-related malpractices. The proposed legislation seeks to enhance transparency, restore public confidence in competitive examinations, and ensure swift justice through stricter penalties and dedicated fast-track courts.
Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh introduced the Bill in the Lower House as part of the government’s legislative agenda. However, the proceedings were disrupted due to continuous sloganeering by Opposition members over separate political issues, leading to the adjournment of the House until 2 p.m.
The amendment bill follows the Union Cabinet’s approval of a comprehensive legal package designed to crack down on organised examination fraud. The government has maintained that the new provisions are necessary to protect the future of millions of students appearing for public examinations across the country.
One of the most significant features of the proposed legislation is the introduction of tougher punishments for individuals and organised groups involved in paper leaks and other unfair practices. Under the bill, individuals found guilty of using unfair means in public examinations may face imprisonment ranging from five to ten years along with a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.
For organised offences such as large-scale paper leak rackets and examination fraud networks, the punishment becomes even more stringent. The legislation proposes a minimum imprisonment of seven years, extendable up to ten years, along with a fine of up to Rs 10 crore. Authorities will also have the power to confiscate the assets of those convicted in organised examination-related crimes.
The amendment identifies 15 different offences under the law. These include leaking question papers, tampering with Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets, creating fake websites to deceive candidates, issuing fake admit cards, and other fraudulent activities aimed at compromising the integrity of public examinations.
To ensure timely justice, the bill proposes the establishment of special fast-track courts across states and Union Territories. These courts will be required to complete trials and deliver judgments within three months. Pending cases under the existing Act would also be transferred to these special courts for expedited disposal.
The proposed legislation further empowers the Union government to establish a Special Task Force dedicated to investigating paper leak cases and other offences under the Act. Investigations conducted by state police, central investigating agencies, or the Special Task Force must be completed within two months, ensuring quicker prosecution and preventing prolonged legal proceedings.
The government’s move comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Parliament would consider a comprehensive law providing strong legal action against paper leaks. Officials have argued that repeated examination irregularities in recent years have undermined the credibility of recruitment and entrance examinations, making stronger legal safeguards essential.
The amendment bill has also emerged against the backdrop of widespread protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. Several youth organisations and political groups had organised demonstrations across the country, demanding accountability and reforms in the examination system. The issue gained national attention after allegations of mismanagement in multiple competitive examinations triggered protests involving thousands of students and job aspirants.
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The government has maintained that the proposed legislation is intended not only to punish offenders but also to deter organised criminal networks involved in examination fraud. By combining stringent penalties, time-bound investigations, and fast-track judicial mechanisms, the Centre aims to strengthen the credibility of India’s public examination system and safeguard the interests of honest candidates.
The Bill will now undergo further parliamentary scrutiny before being considered for passage in both Houses of Parliament. If enacted, it is expected to significantly tighten India’s legal framework against paper leaks and examination malpractices while reinforcing public trust in the country’s competitive examination process.
