July 28, 2026
NEW DELHI – Seeking to curb paper leaks and examination malpractice, the Centre will table a Bill that proposes harsher punishment and quicker disposal of such cases.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, seeks to strengthen the existing 2024 law through stricter legal provisions intended to improve transparency and protect the integrity of public examinations. The government says the proposed changes are designed to safeguard the interests of students.
Bill proposes tougher penalties for examination fraud
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh will introduce the Bill in Parliament on Monday. A notification for its introduction has already been issued by the government.
Among the key provisions are imprisonment of up to 10 years, fines of up to Rs 10 crore and confiscation of the assets of those found guilty in paper leak and examination malpractice cases.
The proposed law also provides for a mechanism to ensure that judgments in such cases are delivered within three months.
Fast-track courts proposed for paper leak cases
The amendment follows the Union Cabinet’s approval on Friday of legislative proposals to establish fast-track courts and provide stricter punishment for offences linked to paper leaks and examination fraud, according to official sources.
Under the proposal, the special courts would be required to complete trials and pronounce verdicts within three months.
The legislation is expected to be taken up in Parliament during the ongoing session.
PM Modi says students must be protected
The move comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government would bring a comprehensive law to deal with paper leak cases.
In a video message posted on his official X account, the Prime Minister said the government had prepared a draft Bill with stronger legal provisions and harsher punishment for those involved in examination leaks. He also posted: “More strict actions against paper leaks to come in tomorrow’s Cabinet!”
Expressing concern over examination irregularities, PM Modi said paper leaks cause significant distress to students and their families.
He said the government had, over the past two-and-a-half months, taken several steps that resulted in the arrest and imprisonment of people allegedly involved in such offences.
The Prime Minister also said all available resources had been mobilised to ensure examinations for nearly 22 lakh candidates were conducted without delay.