Longer jail terms, higher fines and faster trials; here are key points about Public Examinations Amendment Bill

The govt described the Bill as an important reform to make the existing examination security system more effective. Pic/PTI

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday began discussions on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which aims to introduce stricter punishments and stronger safeguards against examination fraud, including paper leaks and organised malpractice.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, as the government looks to improve accountability in competitive examinations and protect students from unfair practices.

Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh said that the amendment reflects the government's commitment to safeguarding the interests of students and young aspirants, reported the IANS.

The government has described the Bill as an important reform to make the existing examination security system more effective and prevent large-scale cheating and manipulation.

The original Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 was introduced after several incidents involving examination paper leaks.

The law identified 15 categories of offences with major one's including:

- Leaking question papers or answer keys.

- Running fake examination websites.

- Helping candidates use unfair methods.

- Manipulating examination processes.

Under the existing law, offences are classified as cognisable, non-bailable and non-compoundable. However, candidates appearing for examinations were kept outside the scope of punishment.

Harsher punishments proposed

According to the IANS, the amendment Bill proposes higher penalties for individuals and organisations involved in examination fraud.

Individuals found guilty of using unfair means would face:

- Minimum imprisonment increased from three years to five years.

- Maximum punishment increased to 10 years.

- Maximum fine increased from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh.

Stricter penalties for service providers

The Bill proposes stronger action against agencies and service providers involved in conducting public examinations.

Such organisations could face:

- Fines of up to Rs 5 crore, increased from the earlier limit of Rs 1 crore.

- A ban on conducting public examinations for up to eight years, instead of four years.

- Organised Exam Fraud to Attract Severe Punishment

For organised attempts to manipulate examinations, the proposed punishment would increase.

The minimum jail term would rise from five years to seven years, along with a proposed fine of Rs 10 crore.

The government says that these provisions are aimed at targeting organised networks involved in large-scale examination fraud.

Fast-track Investigations and Trials Proposed

The Bill also introduces strict timelines for investigations and court proceedings.

Under the proposed system:

- Investigations must be completed within two months of a case being referred by the Central Government.

- States and Union Territories will need to designate session courts for such cases.

- Trials should be completed within three months after filing of the chargesheet.

- Appeals in High Courts should be handled by two-judge benches within a similar timeframe, as far as possible.

According to the government said the amendment is designed to strengthen trust in public examinations and ensure that honest students are not affected by fraud or manipulation, the news agency reported.

The proposed changes come amid growing concerns among students and aspirants over paper leaks and irregularities in major competitive examinations.

(with IANS inputs)