The Union government is planning to present the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on Monday, July 27. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the legal infrastructure to combat fraud in examinations. The amendment seeks to strengthen the existing 2024 law through the imposition of stricter penalties, expedited investigations, and the establishment of special fast-track courts to ensure timely justice.

The Bill is a response to recent events, notably the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, which triggered significant protests from students nationwide. This situation has amplified calls for more rigorous anti-cheating measures, improved transparency, and heightened accountability within the public examination process.

Efforts to introduce this legislation have gained urgency amid mounting unrest over the alleged paper leak. Reports indicate that students in Delhi have been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who subsequently stepped down on Saturday.

Key Changes in Penal Provisions

The proposed amendments aim to implement substantial changes to the current penalties for individuals and organisations involved in examination fraud. For individuals found guilty of using unfair means, the Bill proposes an increased prison term of five to ten years, up from the existing three to five years. Additionally, the maximum fine for such individuals would rise from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh.

Moreover, the legislation introduces tougher measures for organised examination-related crimes. The minimum prison sentence for individuals implicated in organised cheating networks will increase from five years to seven years, accompanied by an increased minimum fine from Rs 1 crore to Rs 10 crore.

This rigorous approach aims to greatly deter large-scale examination fraud and dismantle intricate networks involved in such offences.

Enhanced Accountability Measures

The Bill also advocates for stringent accountability measures against service providers linked to examination malpractice. The proposed maximum financial penalty for organisations found complicit in such activities will rise from Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore, and the period in which they can be barred from conducting examinations will double from four years to eight years.

Furthermore, directors and senior officials of companies engaged in examination fraud will face a minimum prison term of five years, up from three years, along with potential fines of Rs 5 crore. This is intended to ensure that senior management cannot evade responsibility for malpractices conducted under their oversight.

To fortify enforcement, the Central Government will have the authority to form a Special Task Force (STF) for investigating serious public examination offences. The STF will handle complex cases, including organised fraud or significant paper leaks, while strict timelines for investigations will mandate their completion within two months.

Establishment of Fast-Track Courts

To facilitate quicker legal proceedings, the Bill empowers state and Union Territory administrations to designate specific Courts of Session as Special Fast Track Courts for trial of offences under the Act. These courts will expedite hearings and outcomes related to public examination fraud, with trials expected to conclude within a three-month timeframe following the chargesheet submission.

These dedicated courts will engage in daily hearings, with the aim of delivering timely justice and bolstering public confidence in the examination system. Special Public Prosecutors will be appointed for these courts to ensure more focused legal action.

All pending cases under the Act will also be transferred to these fast-track courts, and trials must be completed within three months of transfer. Furthermore, appeals against decisions from these courts will go directly to a Division Bench of the High Court, which should aim to resolve such appeals within three months, subject to a typical filing period of 30 days. This mechanism is designed to eliminate unnecessary delays in legal processes.

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