Lok Sabha takes up anti-paper leak Amendment Bill, Govt seeks tougher punishment for exam fraud
29/07/2026
NEW DELHI, Jul 28: Union Minister for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh on Tuesday moved the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha for consideration and passage, seeking to significantly strengthen the legal framework against paper leaks and organised examination fraud.
Presenting the legislation, Singh said the amendment seeks to reinforce safeguards for the integrity of public examinations by introducing stronger deterrents, fast-track judicial mechanisms and enhanced punishment for those involved in organised cheating and paper leak rackets.
According to the proposed amendments, imprisonment for those convicted of paper leaks and related offences would be increased to five to ten years, while the maximum financial penalty would be enhanced to Rs 50 lakh. The legislation would apply to major national competitive examinations conducted by agencies including the union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), National Testing Agency (covering NEET, JEE and CUET), Railway recruitment bodies and banking recruitment boards.
The government maintained that the proposed law is aimed at dismantling organised syndicates, paper leak networks and negligent service providers, while ensuring that deserving students and genuine examination candidates are not penalised. The Bill seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 by introducing stricter enforcement provisions and dedicated fast-track courts for speedy disposal of such cases.
The Bill was taken up amid noisy scenes in the Lok Sabha, with Opposition members raising slogans over issues linked to past paper leaks and related political developments even as members of the ruling National Democratic Alliance prepared to speak in support of the legislation. The amendment comes as the government seeks to tighten anti-cheating laws following a series of controversies over alleged paper leaks in competitive examinations, which have triggered widespread concern among students and calls for stronger legal action against organised exam fraud.
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