In a significant move to combat examination malpractice, India's Lok Sabha on Wednesday approved the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. The legislation, passed by voice vote amidst opposition protests, introduces stringent penalties, including imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to ₹50 lakh for individuals involved in leaking examination papers.
The bill was introduced by Union Minister Jitendra Singh on July 27, following extensive student protests over recent paper leaks. These demonstrations, notably led by the Cockroach Janta Party, had previously led to the resignation of then-education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Key Provisions of the New Anti-Paper Leak Law
- Dedicated Courts: The amendment mandates the establishment of fast-track courts in every state solely for hearing paper leak cases.
- Expedited Investigations: Investigations into examination leaks are now required to be completed within a strict two-month timeframe.
- Enhanced Penalties: Individuals convicted of leaking papers face up to 10 years in jail and fines reaching ₹50 lakh.
- Organized Crime Deterrence: For organized syndicates involved in paper leaks, the proposed changes include hefty fines of up to ₹10 crore, aiming to strengthen deterrence against large-scale malpractice.
Government's Stance and Parliamentary Debate
Defending the bill in the Lok Sabha, Jitendra Singh affirmed the government's commitment to safeguarding the integrity and transparency of public examinations. He highlighted the swift action taken in the NEET paper leak case and noted that 52 FIRs had been registered since the original anti-paper leak law came into effect in 2024. Singh also pointed out a recent decline in suicide rates linked to paper leaks, suggesting the government's initiatives were yielding results.
The debate was marked by sharp political exchanges, with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi accusing Union Home Minister Amit Shah of ordering police action against students during the Cockroach Janta Party-led protests. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju demanded substantiation of these claims, while BJP and NDA members called for an apology. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reminded members to support accusations with evidence. Singh also criticized Gandhi for lacking knowledge of parliamentary norms.
Despite the disruptions and sloganeering, the Lok Sabha approved the amendment bill, and the House was adjourned for the day immediately after its passage. This legislation reflects the government's intent to learn from past experiences and implement stronger measures against examination malpractice, which has plagued public examinations in India.