New Delhi: Parliament has passed the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, introducing significantly tougher punishments for individuals and organised groups involved in examination paper leaks and unfair practices. The bill, aimed at safeguarding the interests of students, received parliamentary approval following debates and a walkout by some opposition parties.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Rajya Sabha cleared the bill with a voice vote on Thursday, a day after the Lok Sabha’s approval. The legislation mandates stricter penalties, including lengthy jail terms and substantial fines, for those found engaging in paper leaks or employing unfair means in public examinations.
Key Provisions of the Amendment Bill
Under the amended law, individuals found guilty of paper leaks or unfair means in examinations will face a minimum imprisonment of five years, extendable up to ten years, along with a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh. For cases involving organised crimes and systematic paper leaks, the bill proposes a more severe punishment: a minimum sentence of seven years and a fine of no less than Rs 10 crore.
The bill also empowers the central government to establish a special task force dedicated to investigating offences under the new law. Furthermore, state governments and Union Territory administrations are authorised to designate any court of session as a special fast-track court for trying offences under this act. Proceedings in these special courts are to be conducted on a day-to-day basis, with the aim of completing trials within three months from the filing of the charge sheet.
Government’s Stance and Opposition’s Concerns
Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Jitendra Singh, emphasised the government’s commitment to protecting students, whom he described as the nation’s future. Responding to a seven-hour discussion on the bill, Singh criticised the opposition’s walkout before his reply, terming it irresponsible and indicative of a lack of respect for parliamentary proceedings. He stated that the government is open to suggestions and willing to go the extra mile to address the issue of examination irregularities.
The minister clarified that the bill is comprehensive and addresses examination reforms holistically, not solely focusing on the National Testing Agency (NTA). It also covers examinations conducted by other bodies, including the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), and various banking recruitment agencies.
Addressing concerns about the implementation of the Radhakrishnan Committee report, Singh noted that approximately 76 per cent of the panel’s recommendations have already been put into practice. He also challenged claims made by the Leader of Opposition regarding the number of paper leaks, pointing out unreported instances in state-level examinations.
The Minister also defended the NTA, suggesting that paper leaks have occurred through state-level agencies as well, not exclusively through the NTA. He highlighted the government’s efforts in creating job opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship among the youth, noting a shift in youth aspirations towards returning to India rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
Background of the Legislation
The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, builds upon the foundational law enacted in 2024 amidst widespread paper leak controversies. Prior to this legislation, there was no specific central law to effectively address unfair means or offences committed by entities involved in the conduct of public examinations by the central government and its agencies. The original law was introduced to provide a legal framework to deter malpractices and ensure fairness in the examination system.
During the parliamentary debate, members from various opposition parties raised concerns regarding police actions against protesting students and the lack of accountability for such incidents. However, members from the ruling party asserted that the government is sensitive to the issues affecting students.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
