GUWAHATI: The Union government is set to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on Monday, July 27, proposing stricter penalties for paper leaks and examination fraud, fast-track courts, and a two-month timeline for the disposal of related cases.
ALSO READ: IMD Forecasts Rain, Thunderstorms in Guwahati Over the Next Seven Days
Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh is expected to table the Bill. The proposed amendments seek to strengthen the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which was enacted to curb malpractice in public examinations.
If passed, the amended law will prescribe a minimum jail term of five years, extendable up to 10 years, along with a fine of up to ₹50 lakh for those found guilty of using unfair means in public examinations. For organised examination fraud, the Bill proposes a minimum imprisonment of seven years and fines of up to ₹10 crore.
The Bill also proposes setting up fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials and mandates that cases be disposed of within two months. It identifies 15 offences, including leaking question papers, tampering with OMR sheets, creating fake examination websites, and issuing fake admit cards.
Under the existing 2024 Act, individuals convicted of paper leak-related offences face imprisonment ranging from three to five years, while organised syndicates can be sentenced to five to 10 years in jail and fined at least ₹1 crore.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju appealed to opposition parties to participate in the debate on the Bill, saying it is aimed at strengthening the integrity of India's examination system.
According to reports, the BJP-led NDA is likely to field several young Members of Parliament during the discussion, which is expected to last eight to 10 hours.
Questions related to the Ministry of Education are also scheduled during Monday's Question Hour. Newly appointed Education Minister Pralhad Joshi is expected to be present in the House after being briefed by ministry officials.
The proposed amendments come amid the Centre's ongoing efforts to strengthen the country's examination system following nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak. The controversy led to the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.