Govt to introduce Public Examinations Amendment Bill with tougher anti-paper leak measures

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The Union government is set to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in Parliament on Monday, aiming to strengthen the legal framework against paper leaks and examination malpractices through stricter penalties and faster trials.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh will table the Bill, which seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. A government notification regarding its introduction has already been issued.

Bill proposes stricter punishment for paper leaks

According to the government, the proposed amendments are intended to enhance transparency, accountability and integrity in the public examination system while safeguarding the interests of students.

Among the key provisions of the Bill are:

• Imprisonment of up to 10 years for those found guilty of examination-related offences.
• A fine of up to Rs 10 crore.
• Confiscation of assets belonging to convicted offenders.
• Fast-track judicial proceedings aimed at delivering verdicts within three months.

The proposed legislation seeks to deter organised examination fraud through stronger legal provisions and expedited prosecution.

Cabinet approved proposal last week

The move follows the Union Cabinet's approval on Friday of the proposed legislation and related measures aimed at strengthening action against paper leaks and examination fraud.

According to official sources, the proposal also includes the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure swift disposal of cases involving examination malpractices.

Under the proposed framework, these courts will be required to complete trials and pronounce judgments within three months, reducing delays in delivering justice.

PM Modi announced tougher anti-paper leak law

The proposed amendments come shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Centre would introduce a comprehensive law providing stricter punishment for those involved in paper leak cases.

In a video message shared on his official X account, the Prime Minister said the government had prepared a detailed draft Bill to strengthen legal provisions against examination fraud.

He also posted: "More strict actions against paper leaks to come in tomorrow's Cabinet!"

Expressing concern over the impact of paper leaks on students, Modi said such incidents cause immense distress to aspirants and their families.

Government highlights measures to protect students

The Prime Minister said the Centre had taken several steps over the past two-and-a-half months that led to the arrest and imprisonment of individuals allegedly involved in paper leak cases.

He also highlighted the government's efforts to ensure that examinations for nearly 22 lakh candidates were conducted without unnecessary delays despite the challenges arising from examination irregularities.

(With inputs from IANS)