New Delhi: In a significant move to strengthen the country’s fight against examination malpractices, the Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, introducing tougher penalties, time-bound investigations and fast-track trials for offences related to paper leaks and organised cheating.
The Bill, passed by voice vote, seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, enacted to curb irregularities in recruitment and entrance examinations conducted by public authorities.
Under the amended provisions, individuals found guilty of using unfair means or leaking question papers could face imprisonment ranging from five to ten years along with a fine of up to ₹50 lakh, substantially higher than the existing punishment of three to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh.
For organised paper leak syndicates, the Bill prescribes a minimum imprisonment of seven years and fines of up to ₹10 crore.
The legislation also introduces strict timelines for the disposal of cases. Investigating agencies will be required to complete probes within two months, while designated special courts must conclude trials within three months, aiming to ensure speedy justice and stronger deterrence against examination-related offences.
The amendment comes against the backdrop of recurring paper leak incidents, including the controversy surrounding NEET-UG 2026, which triggered nationwide protests, investigations and demands for stricter accountability in the conduct of public examinations.
The government has maintained that the revised law is intended to safeguard the credibility of public examinations, protect the interests of millions of students and restore public confidence in examination systems covering recruitment and entrance tests such as NEET, UPSC, SSC and other centrally administered examinations.
Background
- Parliament enacted the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act in 2024 to tackle paper leaks and organised cheating.
- The 2026 amendment follows widespread concerns over examination malpractices, particularly after the NEET-UG controversy.
- The revised law enhances punishments while introducing fixed timelines for investigations and trials to improve enforcement.
