The Union Government introduced the 'Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026' in the Lok Sabha on Monday, July 27, 2026 . This bill aims to stop question paper leaks in competitive exams. Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, presented the legislation. He also moved a motion for its immediate consideration and passage.
Stricter Penalties for Exam Malpractices
The proposed law introduces severe penalties to prevent cheating and restore public trust in recruitment and entrance exams. It includes jail terms up to ten years and fines reaching ten crore rupees. Investigations will be mandated to finish within two months. Fast-track courts will handle cases, aiming for judgments within three months.
Key Provisions of the Amendment Bill
The bill outlines seven key changes and tougher penalties:
- Individual Offender Punishments: Those caught cheating face five to ten years in prison and fines up to fifty lakh rupees.
- Service Provider Penalties: Companies involved in cheating will receive a five crore rupee fine and an eight-year ban from conducting exams.
- Organized Crime Punishments: Syndicates engaging in paper leaks face seven to ten years imprisonment and a ten crore rupee fine.
- Investigation Timeline: Police, special investigation teams, and central agencies must complete investigations within 60 days.
- Fast-Track Special Courts: Sessions courts will hold daily continuous trials. Judgments are expected within three months.
- Trial Adjournments Restricted: Trial adjournments are limited to one day without exceptional reasons.
- Appeals: Appeals against judgments or bail requests go to a Division Bench within three months.
Comparison: 2024 Act vs. 2026 Amendment Bill
The new amendment significantly increases penalties compared to the existing 2024 Act.
| Parameter | Existing Provision (2024 Act) | Proposed Provision (2026 Amendment Bill) |
| General Offenses (Individual) | 3 to 5 years jail; fine up to ₹10 lakh | 5 to 10 years jail; fine up to ₹50 lakh |
| Service Providers (Firms/Agencies) | Fine up to ₹1 crore; 4-year ban | Fine up to ₹5 crore; 8-year ban |
| Directors / In-Charge Personnel | 3 to 10 years jail; fine of ₹1 crore | 5 to 10 years jail; fine up to ₹5 crore |
| Organized Crime Syndicates | Min. 5 years jail; min. fine of ₹1 crore | Min. 7 years jail (up to 10 years); min. fine of ₹10 crore |
| Investigation Window | No fixed statutory timeline | 60-day mandatory deadline for police / STF / central agencies |
| Trial Framework | Regular Sessions Courts | Dedicated Special Fast-Track Courts completing trials in 3 months |
