Centre Introduces Stricter Anti-Paper Leak Bill with Key Amendments

New Delhi, India Jul 27, 2026 ALN: The Centre is set to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on Monday (July 27), seeking to tighten the existing anti-paper leak law. The introduction of this bill comes at a time when the integrity of public examinations in India is under scrutiny, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) paper leak issue. This situation has sparked nationwide protests, highlighting the urgent need for robust measures to combat examination malpractices.

The proposed legislation aims to strengthen the legal framework against examination malpractices through stricter penalties, expedited investigations, and time-bound trials. The NEET paper leak incident, which involved the unauthorized distribution of examination papers prior to the test, has raised significant concerns about the fairness and transparency of public examinations in India. This incident, among others, has prompted calls from students, parents, and educators for more stringent regulations to deter such malpractices.

One of the key features of the Bill is the establishment of fast-track courts in every state. These specialized courts will be designated to hear cases related to paper leaks and other forms of examination malpractices. By creating a dedicated judicial framework for such cases, the government aims to ensure that they are dealt with expeditiously and effectively. The establishment of fast-track courts is expected to alleviate the backlog of cases in the regular court system and provide a focused approach to handling examination-related offenses.

In conjunction with the fast-track courts, the Bill stipulates daily hearings once a chargesheet is filed. This provision is designed to facilitate continuous legal proceedings, thereby minimizing delays that can often plague the judicial process. The emphasis on day-to-day hearings is a significant step towards ensuring that justice is not only served but is seen to be served in a timely manner. Furthermore, the Bill mandates that trials in paper leak cases be completed within three months from the date of filing the chargesheet. This time-bound approach is intended to expedite the resolution of these cases, thereby restoring public confidence in the examination system.

Another crucial aspect of the Bill is the investigation deadline. Under the proposed legislation, investigations into paper leak cases are required to be completed within two months. This swift investigative process is essential for gathering evidence while it is still fresh and for ensuring that those responsible for examination malpractices are held accountable without undue delay.

The Bill also outlines punishment for individuals found guilty of involvement in paper leaks or other unfair means. Offenders could face a minimum prison term of five years, which can be extended to ten years, coupled with a hefty fine of up to Rs 50 lakh. This stringent penalty framework is intended to serve as a deterrent against engaging in fraudulent activities related to public examinations.

For cases involving organized examination fraud, the Bill proposes even harsher penalties, including a minimum jail term of seven years and fines that can reach up to Rs 10 crore. This recognition of the severity of organized crime in the context of examination malpractices underscores the government's commitment to tackling not just individual offenders but also the networks that facilitate such fraud.

In addition to punitive measures, the proposed legislation empowers the Central government to constitute a special task force to investigate paper leak cases whenever necessary. This provision reflects a proactive approach to addressing examination malpractices, allowing for a more coordinated and comprehensive investigation process that can adapt to the complexities of each case.

The Bill also introduces a wider anti-cheating framework, which encompasses various measures aimed at enhancing the integrity of the examination process. These measures include examination readiness audits, biometric registration of candidates, thorough candidate verification, stringent question paper security protocols, and improved invigilation practices. Moreover, the Bill outlines post-examination procedures and guidelines for providing scribes, ensuring that the examination system is inclusive and accessible to all eligible candidates.

Furthermore, the amendment identifies fifteen offences related to examination fraud, including leaking question papers, tampering with OMR sheets, creating fake examination websites, and issuing fake admit cards. By clearly delineating these offenses, the government aims to provide clarity on the types of malpractices that will be prosecuted under the new law, thereby enhancing the overall deterrent effect.

The rationale behind the amendment is rooted in the Centre's response to recent incidents of question paper leaks and examination malpractices, which have significantly undermined the transparency and fairness of public examinations. The amendment seeks to bolster the existing legal framework established by the 2024 law, which was enacted following a series of controversies surrounding paper leaks. However, the government acknowledges that the current legislative measures require further strengthening in light of ongoing protests and public demand for accountability and reform.

In summary, the introduction of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 represents a critical step towards addressing the pervasive issue of examination malpractices in India. By instituting stricter penalties, expediting legal processes, and enhancing investigative capabilities, the government aims to restore trust in the integrity of public examinations. The bill's comprehensive approach not only seeks to punish offenders but also to implement preventive measures that can safeguard the examination system from future abuses. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it will be closely watched by stakeholders across the educational landscape, including students, educators, and policymakers, all of whom have a vested interest in ensuring that the examination system operates fairly and transparently.