New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, strengthening India’s anti-paper leak framework with stricter penalties for those involved in examination malpractices. The amended law provides for up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh for offences related to question paper leaks and other unfair practices in public examinations.
The amendment bill was introduced in the House by Union Minister Jitendra Singh on July 27, with the government stating that tougher provisions were necessary to further deter organised examination fraud and protect the integrity of recruitment and entrance tests.
Speaking during the debate, Singh said the Centre had acted promptly in the NEET paper leak case and highlighted that 52 FIRs had been registered since the original anti-paper leak law came into force in 2024. He added that the amendments reflected the government’s willingness to strengthen the legislation based on implementation experience.
The minister also claimed that incidents of suicide linked to paper leak controversies had declined in recent years. During his speech, Singh criticised Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he lacked an understanding of parliamentary procedures and the functioning of the government.
The bill was passed amid sloganeering by opposition members. Following its passage, the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day.
The amended legislation is expected to further tighten the legal framework against examination-related fraud, aiming to safeguard the credibility of public examinations and ensure a fair and transparent selection process for students and job aspirants across the country.
