THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, JULY 30, 2026

Parliament on Thursday passed the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, ushering in a tougher legal framework to combat paper leaks and examination fraud with stricter punishments, fast-track trials and enhanced investigative powers. The government described the legislation as a decisive step to safeguard the future of millions of students, while the Opposition staged a walkout during the minister’s reply, triggering a fresh political face-off.

The Rajya Sabha approved the Bill by voice vote after a seven-hour debate today, a day after it was passed by the Lok Sabha. The legislation prescribes rigorous imprisonment of not less than five years, extendable up to ten years, along with a fine of up to ₹50 lakh for those involved in paper leaks and other unfair examination practices. Organised examination fraud will attract a minimum seven-year jail term and a penalty of at least ₹10 crore.

Defending the legislation, Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh asserted that the government was committed to ensuring transparency and credibility in public examinations. Stressing that protecting students was a national responsibility, he said the Centre was “ready to walk an extra mile” and remained open to constructive suggestions from all sections of society to strengthen the examination system.

Dr. Singh criticised the Congress-led Opposition for walking out before his reply, calling the move “irresponsible” and regretting that members who had raised several concerns chose not to remain in the House to hear the government’s response. Earlier, Leader of the House Jagat Prakash Nadda also accused the Opposition of showing disrespect towards parliamentary proceedings and democratic decorum.

Rejecting allegations that the Bill was limited in scope, the minister said the law covered examinations conducted not only by the National Testing Agency (NTA) but also by the UPSC, SSC, banking recruitment bodies and other central agencies. He maintained that the amendment formed part of a broader examination reform process and noted that nearly 76 per cent of the recommendations of the Radhakrishnan Committee had already been implemented.

Responding to criticism from Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge regarding multiple paper leak incidents, Dr. Singh argued that several such cases had occurred in states governed by non-NDA parties and questioned why those instances had not been highlighted. He also rejected demands for abolishing the NTA, pointing out that many examination leaks in recent years had originated from state-level recruitment agencies and public service commissions.

The amendment empowers state governments and Union Territory administrations to designate Sessions Courts as special fast-track courts for offences under the law. These courts will conduct day-to-day hearings and are expected to conclude trials within three months of the filing of the charge sheet. The Bill also authorises the Centre to constitute a Special Task Force to investigate serious examination-related offences.

The original anti-paper leak law was enacted in 2024 following nationwide controversies over question paper leaks and examination irregularities. The latest amendment significantly strengthens the legal framework by introducing harsher penalties and expediting the judicial process to deter organised examination fraud.

Earlier in the debate, Opposition members accused the government of failing to fix accountability for repeated examination leaks and criticised police action against protesting students. Treasury bench members, however, defended the government, asserting that the BJP-led administration remained committed to protecting students’ interests and restoring public confidence in the integrity of the country’s examination system.