Punjab Newsline | New Delhi

Amid nationwide outrage over the NEET paper leak controversy and growing concerns about the integrity of public examinations, the Central Government on Monday introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha. The proposed legislation aims to significantly strengthen legal action against paper leaks, impersonation, and examination-related fraud.

The Bill was introduced by Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, while opposition members staged protests in the House, raising slogans against police action on student demonstrators.

Up to 10 Years' Imprisonment for Paper Leak Offenders

Under the proposed amendments, anyone found guilty of leaking question papers or using unfair means in public examinations could face a minimum of five years and up to ten years in prison, along with a fine of up to ₹50 lakh.

For cases involving organized exam fraud, the punishment becomes even harsher, with a minimum of seven years' imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹10 crore.

Stronger Safeguards for Public Examinations

The Bill introduces several measures to improve the security and transparency of examinations, including:

  • Pre-audit of examination centres

  • Biometric verification of candidates

  • Enhanced security and screening protocols

  • Secure seat allocation system

  • Safe preparation and encrypted uploading of question papers

  • Continuous monitoring during examinations

  • Standardised post-examination procedures

  • Clear guidelines for scribes assisting differently-abled candidates

Fifteen Examination Frauds to Be Treated as Criminal Offences

The amendment specifically identifies 15 categories of examination-related offences, including:

  • Question paper leaks

  • Tampering with OMR sheets

  • Creating fake examination websites

  • Issuing counterfeit admit cards

  • Other forms of examination fraud and malpractice

Faster Investigation and Trial Process

To ensure swift justice, the Bill mandates that:

  • Investigations into paper leak cases must be completed within two months.

  • States and Union Territories will be empowered to establish fast-track courts.

  • Trials should be concluded within three months of filing the chargesheet.

  • Fast-track courts will conduct day-to-day hearings.

Centre Empowered to Form Special Task Force

The proposed law also authorises the Central Government to constitute a Special Task Force (STF) whenever required to investigate major or sensitive paper leak cases, ensuring coordinated action against organized examination rackets.

The Bill marks the government's latest effort to restore public confidence in the examination system by introducing stricter penalties, faster judicial processes, and stronger safeguards against exam-related malpractice.