The Centre on Monday introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, proposing tougher punishment and faster trials to curb paper leaks and organised exam fraud.
The Bill seeks to strengthen the anti-paper leak law enacted in 2024 after a series of controversies over competitive examinations.
Under the proposed law, individuals found guilty of using unfair means or leaking question papers could face five to ten years in prison, up from the current three to five years.
The maximum fine would also increase from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
The Bill also targets companies and agencies involved in exam fraud.
Such organisations could be fined up to ₹5 crore, compared to ₹1 crore under the existing law, and barred from conducting public examinations for eight years instead of four. Directors and senior officials found responsible could also face five to ten years’ imprisonment.
For organised paper leak rackets, the minimum jail term has been increased from five years to seven years, while the maximum fine has been raised from ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore.
To ensure quicker justice, the Bill proposes Special Task Forces to investigate cases, Fast Track Courts for speedy trials and Special Public Prosecutors. Investigations must be completed within two months, while trials should, as far as possible, be concluded within three months of the chargesheet.
The Bill will now be taken up for discussion in Parliament. If passed, it will significantly strengthen India’s anti-paper leak law, with the government hoping stricter penalties and faster enforcement will deter organised cheating networks.
