Lok Sabha Introduces Tougher Anti-Paper Leak Bill
Amendment proposes fast-track courts, stricter penalties and time-bound investigations for public examination offences
- Centre introduces Public Examinations Amendment Bill, 2026 in Lok Sabha.
- Bill proposes fast-track probes, special courts and stricter punishments.
- Maximum fine for organised exam crimes to rise to ₹10 crore.
- Investigation and trial to be completed within fixed timelines.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 27th July: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Monday introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, proposing stricter punishments, fast-tracked investigations and special courts to curb examination-related malpractices.
The Bill seeks to strengthen the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 by providing for Special Fast Track Courts, appointment of Special Public Prosecutors, time-bound investigations and disposal of appeals, besides enhanced penal provisions.
Under the proposed amendments, imprisonment for individuals found using unfair means in public examinations has been increased from three-five years to five-ten years, while the maximum fine has been enhanced from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
For service providers involved in examination malpractices, the maximum fine has been proposed to be increased from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore, with the debarment period from conducting public examinations extended from four years to eight years.
The Bill also proposes stricter action against organised examination-related crimes, raising the minimum imprisonment from five years to seven years, extendable up to 10 years, and increasing the maximum fine from ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore.
To ensure speedy justice, the proposed law mandates completion of investigations within two months, trial by designated Special Fast Track Courts within three months of filing the charge sheet, and disposal of appeals by High Courts, as far as possible, within three months.
The amendments also empower the Central Government to refer cases under the Act to a Special Task Force for investigation.
The Ministry said the proposed changes are aimed at strengthening deterrence against question paper leaks, impersonation and organised cheating, while safeguarding the integrity, transparency and fairness of public examinations conducted by agencies such as the UPSC, SSC, NTA, RRBs and IBPS.
