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

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 trialsUnion 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 issuedBill proposes stricter punishment for paper leaksAccording to the government the proposed amendments are intended to enhance transparency accountability and integrity in the public examination system while safeguarding the interests of studentsAmong the key provisions of the Bill areImprisonment of up to 10 years for those found guilty of examinationrelated offencesA fine of up to Rs 10 croreConfiscation of assets belonging to convicted offendersFasttrack judicial proceedings aimed at delivering verdicts within three monthsThe proposed legislation seeks to deter organised examination fraud through stronger legal provisions and expedited prosecutionCabinet approved proposal last weekThe move follows the Union Cabinets approval on Friday of the proposed legislation and related measures aimed at strengthening action against paper leaks and examination fraudAccording to official sources the proposal also includes the establishment of fasttrack courts to ensure swift disposal of cases involving examination malpracticesUnder the proposed framework these courts will be required to complete trials and pronounce judgments within three months reducing delays in delivering justicePM Modi announced tougher antipaper leak lawThe 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 casesIn 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 fraudHe also postedMore strict actions against paper leaks to come in tomorrows CabinetExpressing concern over the impact of paper leaks on students Modi said such incidents cause immense distress to aspirants and their familiesGovernment highlights measures to protect studentsThe Prime Minister said the Centre had taken several steps over the past twoandahalf months that led to the arrest and imprisonment of individuals allegedly involved in paper leak casesHe also highlighted the governments efforts to ensure that examinations for nearly 22 lakh candidates were conducted without unnecessary delays despite the challenges arising from examination irregularitiesWith inputs from IANS