The Union Government is set to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in Parliament on Monday, seeking to further strengthen the legal framework against paper leaks and examination-related malpractices through stricter punishments and faster judicial processes.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh will introduce the Bill, which proposes amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. A government notification for the introduction of the legislation has already been issued.
The proposed amendments are aimed at enhancing transparency, credibility and integrity in the public examination system while safeguarding the interests of students. The legislation seeks to impose significantly tougher penalties on those involved in examination fraud, including imprisonment of up to 10 years, fines of up to Rs 10 crore, and confiscation of assets acquired through such offences.
A key feature of the proposed law is the provision for fast-track courts, which will be required to complete trials and deliver judgments within three months, ensuring swift action against those accused of paper leaks and other examination-related crimes.
The move follows the Union Cabinet’s approval of the proposed amendments and related legal provisions earlier this week. The government believes stronger deterrence and expedited judicial proceedings will help restore public confidence in the conduct of competitive examinations.
The proposed legislation also follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent announcement that the Centre would introduce a comprehensive law with stringent provisions to curb paper leaks and protect the future of students.
In a video message shared on his official X account, the Prime Minister said the government had prepared a comprehensive draft law providing for severe punishment against those responsible for examination fraud. He also wrote, “More strict actions against paper leaks to come in tomorrow’s Cabinet!”
Expressing concern over the recurring incidents of paper leaks, the Prime Minister said such irregularities inflict immense hardship on students and their families. He noted that over the past two-and-a-half months, authorities had taken multiple measures leading to the arrest and imprisonment of several individuals allegedly involved in such offences.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring fair examinations, the Prime Minister said all available resources had been mobilised to ensure that examinations involving nearly 22 lakh candidates were conducted without disruption.
The proposed amendments are expected to form a key part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen the integrity of India’s public examination system and ensure strict accountability for those attempting to compromise it.
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