Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 26: The Centre is set to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha on Monday, aimed at strengthening legal measures against examination paper leaks and malpractice.
According to the Lok Sabha's legislative business agenda, Union Minister Jitendra Singh will introduce the Bill to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. Following its introduction, he will move a motion for the Bill to be taken up for consideration and passage in the House.
The proposed amendments come in the wake of the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, which triggered nationwide student protests and renewed demands for stricter anti-cheating laws, greater transparency and stronger accountability in the conduct of public examinations.
The move follows the withdrawal of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar after the Centre accepted key demands put forward by the protesters. The development also comes after the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Following the third round of discussions with CJP representatives, Union Minister JP Nadda said the delegation had submitted a written proposal along with a five-point charter seeking reforms in the examination system. In a post on X, Nadda also assured that no action would be taken against the organisers or protesters and that no fresh cases would be registered in connection with the agitation.
The amendment Bill proposes stricter penalties for those involved in examination fraud. Individuals found guilty of paper leaks or using unfair means in public examinations could face a minimum imprisonment of five years, extendable to 10 years, along with a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.
For organised examination fraud, the proposed law prescribes a minimum jail term of seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore.
The Bill also mandates all states and Union Territories to establish special fast-track courts to hear such cases. Investigations into paper leak cases must be completed within two months, while the designated courts will conduct day-to-day hearings and conclude trials within three months of the filing of the chargesheet.
The proposed legislation further empowers the Central government to constitute a special task force to investigate paper leak cases whenever required.
The Union Cabinet approved the Bill for introduction in Parliament on Friday as part of the Centre's efforts to strengthen the legal framework against examination-related fraud and ensure swift prosecution of offenders.