The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by a voice vote, introducing stricter penalties for paper leaks, organised cheating and other forms of examination fraud in public examinations.
The amendment strengthens the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 by increasing punishment for individuals convicted of using unfair means in public examinations. Under the revised law, the minimum prison sentence has been enhanced from three years to five years, while the maximum fine has been raised from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh.
Stricter Action Against Organised Exam Fraud
The amended legislation is aimed at intensifying action against organised cheating syndicates and individuals involved in examination-related fraud. It seeks to strengthen the legal framework to deal with paper leaks and other coordinated illegal activities that undermine the integrity of public examinations.
The Bill was introduced following the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, which triggered widespread concerns over the security and credibility of competitive examinations across the country.
Higher Penalties For Examination Service Providers
The amendment also imposes tougher consequences on companies and agencies associated with the conduct of public examinations. This includes organisations responsible for managing examination centres, providing technical support and delivering other examination-related services.
Under the existing law, such entities can face a fine of up to Rs 1 crore, recovery of the expenditure incurred in conducting the examination and a four-year prohibition from participating in future public examinations.
The amended law increases the maximum fine for these organisations to Rs 5 crore and extends the period of debarment from four years to eight years, while retaining the provision for recovery of examination costs.
Law Updated Following 2024 Legislation
The amendment revises the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, with the government seeking to strengthen measures against examination malpractice and organised cheating through enhanced penalties for both individuals and institutions found guilty of facilitating such offences.
