In a major step aimed at curbing examination malpractices across the country, President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, paving the way for stricter punishments and faster investigations in paper leak cases. The approval, announced through a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Law on Friday, comes after the legislation was passed by both Houses of Parliament earlier this week.
The amended law significantly strengthens the existing anti-paper leak framework by introducing stricter penalties, time-bound investigations, and fast-track courts to ensure swift justice. One of the key provisions mandates that investigations into paper leak cases must be completed within two months, addressing delays that had often hampered prosecution under the earlier law.
Under the revised legislation, individuals found guilty of leaking examination papers or engaging in unfair means during public examinations will face a minimum prison sentence of five years, which may extend to ten years, along with a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh. In cases involving organised examination fraud or criminal syndicates, the punishment becomes even more severe, with a minimum jail term of seven years and fines of up to Rs 10 crore.
Speaking on the legislation earlier this week, Union Education Minister Prahlad Joshi described the amendment as a decisive move to dismantle the entire network behind examination paper leaks. He said the law would strengthen transparency, credibility, and fairness in the country's examination system while safeguarding the interests of students.
Following the passage of the bill in the Lok Sabha, Joshi stated on social media platform X that the legislation establishes a robust legal framework to tackle examination malpractices through stringent punishments, speedy courts, enhanced investigative mechanisms, and strict action against those involved in question paper leaks.
The amendment bill was passed by the Lok Sabha amid protests from opposition members. A day later, the Rajya Sabha also approved the legislation despite disruptions and an opposition walkout, after which it was sent to the President for assent.
Earlier in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh introduced the amendment bill, describing it as a reaffirmation of the government's commitment to protecting students and ensuring the integrity of public examinations. He said the legislation aims to restore confidence in the examination process by introducing tougher legal provisions against those attempting to manipulate recruitment and entrance examinations.
The Centre introduced the amendment bill on Monday, shortly after nationwide student protests over the NEET controversy led to the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The government maintained that stronger legal safeguards were necessary to prevent future paper leak incidents and rebuild trust in the examination system.
With the President's assent, the amended law comes into immediate effect and is expected to significantly tighten the legal framework governing public examinations. The government believes the new provisions will deter organised examination fraud, ensure speedy justice, and reinforce public confidence in the integrity of competitive examinations across the country.
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