The Union Cabinet approved an Anti-Paper Leak Bill on July 24, 2026 . The legislation aims to strengthen penalties against examination malpractice. It will be introduced in Parliament during the second week of the Monsoon session.
This bill targets unfair practices like paper leaks and impersonation. These issues have disrupted national public recruitment and entrance exams, including NEET-UG.
New Penalties and Safeguards
The proposed law builds on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. It significantly increases punishments for offenders.
The minimum imprisonment term rises from three years to five years. The maximum imprisonment period can now be up to ten years.
Fines can reach up to ₹10 crore . The exact penalty will depend on the severity of the offense and if organized syndicates are involved.
Key Provisions
| Parameter | Details |
| Maximum Imprisonment | Up to 10 years for individuals and syndicates |
| Minimum Imprisonment | Increased to 5 years |
| Monetary Fine | Up to ₹10 crore |
| Judicial Mechanism | Fast-track courts for swift trials |
| Target Examinations | Public recruitment, national entrance tests (e.g., NEET-UG), central board/agency exams |
Judicial Process and Security
The bill includes provisions for establishing fast-track courts. These courts will aim to resolve cases within three months.
The government is also enforcing stringent physical and digital security measures. These include encrypting question papers and using biometric verification.
Other security enhancements involve sealed transportation of exam materials and real-time monitoring of the examination process.
Background and Next Steps
This legislative draft is based on the Public Examination Act of 2024. That act addresses examination malpractice.
The need for this new bill is highlighted by recent large-scale protests concerning exam paper leaks, particularly for NEET-UG.
Previously, no specific legislation existed in India to penalize organized syndicates involved in paper leakage.
Following Cabinet approval, the bill will undergo discussion and debate in Parliament. Passage requires approval from both Houses. Presidential assent is necessary to make it law.
