President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, bringing into force a stricter legal framework aimed at preventing question paper leaks and examination-related fraud. The legislation, approved by Parliament earlier this week, officially became law following a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice on Friday.
The amended law introduces tougher punishments for individuals involved in using unfair means or facilitating question paper leaks in public examinations. Those convicted under the new provisions will face a minimum imprisonment of five years, which can be extended up to 10 years, along with a financial penalty of up to Rs 50 lakh. The government said the stronger penalties are intended to create greater deterrence against examination malpractice.
The legislation also focuses on speeding up investigations and legal proceedings in paper leak cases. It mandates the establishment of fast-track courts in every state to ensure quicker trials and requires investigating agencies to complete probes into public examination leak cases within two months. The fixed timeline is aimed at reducing delays and ensuring that cases involving examination fraud are resolved more efficiently.
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The amended law contains separate provisions for organised examination fraud networks, prescribing stricter punishment for individuals involved in such activities. Those convicted of organised crimes related to public examinations will face a minimum jail term of seven years, while courts can impose fines of up to Rs 10 crore. The provisions are designed to target groups and syndicates involved in large-scale manipulation of examination processes.
The move comes amid increasing concerns over repeated paper leak incidents affecting competitive recruitment tests and entrance examinations across the country. Such incidents have raised questions over the credibility and fairness of the examination system, affecting thousands of students and job aspirants.
Through stricter punishments, faster investigations and dedicated fast-track courts, the government aims to strengthen accountability and restore confidence in public examinations. The new law is expected to provide authorities with stronger tools to take swift action against offenders and prevent organised cheating networks from disrupting important examinations.
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