Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh affirmed the government’s dedication to student welfare when he moved the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha. He described the legislation as a significant step towards protecting the interests of students amid growing concerns over recent NEET-UG paper leaks. The Minister stated that this amendment serves as a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to the youth of India.

Singh highlighted the legislation as a continuation of the Public Examinations Prevention of Unfair Means Act, implemented in 2024. He asserted that this law is pivotal in safeguarding students’ futures and preventing any mishaps that could affect the integrity of public examinations. The Minister urged that the proposed amendment reflects the resolve of Prime Minister Modi to uphold educational integrity.

Provisions and Strengthening of the Law

The proposed amendment aims to tighten the existing legal framework and ensure expedited justice in examination-related cases. Singh elaborated on the heightened penalties for those engaging in unfair practices, suggesting an increase in the minimum term of imprisonment from three years to a minimum of five years, potentially extending up to ten years.

Additionally, the maximum fine proposed has risen from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh for individuals found guilty. For service providers implicated in such offences, the maximum fine could reach Rs 5 crore, and the debarment period from conducting public examinations would double from four years to eight years.

For cases of organised examination-related crimes, the Bill further proposes to elevate the minimum prison term from five years to seven years and adjust the maximum fine from Rs 1 crore to Rs 10 crore. Moreover, the amendment empowers the Centre to establish a Special Task Force to investigate these offences, ensuring completion of investigations within two months and fast-tracking trials.

Historical Context and Legislative Necessity

During the discussion, Jitendra Singh recalled instances of paper leaks that occurred under previous Congress-led UPA administrations, alleging that the current government recognised the pressing need for dedicated legislation. He cited numerous cases over the years, including those from 2009 to 2013, to support his argument for the new measures.

Singh expressed that the establishment of a National Testing Agency (NTA) in 2017 was a direct response to the need for a more controlled and effective examination process. He attributed the initial recommendation for a national testing agency to the Congress party in 1992 and questioned why earlier proposals had not been executed during their tenure.

With several key recruitment agencies under the Government of India involved in this matter, the Minister emphasised the ongoing need for robust legislation to address examination malpractices. He underscored that the current government has fulfilled a task that had long been neglected.

Parliamentary Proceedings and Discussion Duration

The Lok Sabha commenced its examination of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill at 2 pm on July 28. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that various political parties, including the Congress and DMK, were in agreement to extend the discussion by an additional two hours beyond the scheduled six-hour timeframe to accommodate comprehensive deliberations on the amendment.

This collaborative approach aims to ensure that all concerns regarding the proposed measures can be adequately addressed, reflecting bipartisan interest in the integrity of educational assessments. The extended time allows for in-depth discussions on the ramifications and enforcement of the new legislative provisions.

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