SRINAGAR: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to strengthen the anti-paper leak law by introducing tougher penalties, fast-tracking investigations and trials, and expanding the powers of governments to deal with examination-related offences.
Replying to the debate, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the amendments reflected the government’s willingness to strengthen the law based on experience since its enactment in 2024.
“The government is open to learning from experiences,” Singh said, adding that authorities had acted promptly in the NEET paper leak case and that 52 FIRs had been registered under the existing law since it came into force.
The minister said the amendments were intended to make the law more effective in tackling organised paper leak networks and ensuring timely justice. He also claimed that incidents of suicide linked to paper leaks had declined in recent years.
The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 27, amid continuing political controversy over the NEET examination and student protests. It was passed after a debate marked by opposition protests and sloganeering.
Criticising the Opposition’s conduct during the discussion, Singh said the House should have focused on improving the legislation instead of politicising the issue.
“Instead of debating it seriously and offering suggestions, attempts are being made to politicise it,” he said, while also taking aim at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his remarks during the debate.
The House was adjourned for the day shortly after the Bill was passed.
The amendment proposes significantly stricter punishment for those involved in paper leaks and examination fraud. Individuals found guilty could face imprisonment ranging from five to 10 years along with a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.
For organised offences involving criminal networks, the Bill prescribes a minimum jail term of seven years and fines of up to Rs 10 crore.
To ensure quicker disposal of cases, investigations into paper leak offences must be completed within two months. The proposed law also requires trials to conclude within three months of the filing of the charge sheet, with proceedings to be held on a day-to-day basis.
The Bill empowers state governments and Union Territory administrations to designate courts of session as special fast-track courts for trying offences under the Act.
It also authorises the Centre to constitute a special task force to investigate paper leak cases whenever necessary.
The original Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act was enacted in 2024 following a series of controversies over recruitment and entrance examination paper leaks. It covers examinations conducted by central agencies, including the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), National Testing Agency (NTA), railway recruitment bodies and banking recruitment agencies.
During the debate, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi criticised the government’s handling of student protests over the NEET issue, alleging that innocent students were subjected to excessive force. Responding to the charge, Singh said security agencies had exercised “utmost restraint” and ensured that there were no casualties during the protests.
